In this blog post you will learn what you need to know about neurodermatitis (also called atopic dermatitis).
Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a chronic skin condition characterized by dry skin that can be irritated, intensely itchy, scaly, and inflamed. It is one of the most common skin diseases in Germany and often begins in childhood. In adults, atopic dermatitis is particularly prevalent on the flexor surfaces of the arms and legs, as well as on the neck and hands.
Who is affected?
Studies have shown that young children are most frequently affected. While the disease is distributed roughly equally between girls and boys aged five to nine, this changes significantly from the age of ten. After the age of ten, girls are more frequently affected than boys. However, the symptoms do not differ.
What are the symptoms?
However, the severity of symptoms can vary from person to person. Some people experience occasional flare-ups of eczema symptoms, while others suffer from them almost constantly. Depending on the severity and location of the symptoms, eczema can significantly impact quality of life. Treatment can help control the symptoms. For many people, the condition improves by adulthood, but for some, it can persist throughout their lives. Symptoms can be managed with a combination of medication, skincare products, and avoiding triggers. Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the severity of symptoms and improve quality of life.
What are the causes of atopic dermatitis?
The causes of atopic dermatitis are not yet fully understood, but it is believed that a combination of genetic and environmental factors plays a significant role. A disrupted skin barrier function and a genetically determined predisposition of the immune system to overreact to harmless environmental stimuli are crucial. In addition to heredity, allergies are among the known risk factors. Approximately two-thirds of those affected have an allergic form of the condition. They often experience more severe symptoms and are more likely to also have hay fever or allergic asthma. Other potential contributing factors to atopic dermatitis include dehydration of the skin, metabolic disorders, stress, and other psychological burdens. Indeed, the condition and its symptoms are interrelated with psychological well-being. Stress can worsen atopic dermatitis, but conversely, the symptoms, especially the nighttime itching, are psychologically distressing. It is important to note that each person can react differently to triggers.
Along with food allergy, allergic asthma and allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis belongs to the group of atopic diseases.
Atopic diseases are a group of chronic diseases caused by an overactive immune system response to certain stimuli or allergens.
Why the gut can also be the trigger
In addition to the causes mentioned above, it has also been found that the development of atopic dermatitis is related not only to the skin microbiome, but also to the gut microbiome.For example, studies have shown that children with low bacterial diversity in their gut were more likely to develop atopic dermatitis (eczema). This proven link between the gut and atopic dermatitis is known as the "gut-skin axis." A healthy gut microbiota and an intact intestinal barrier have been shown to be important for regulating the immune system and preventing inflammation. A disrupted gut microbiota and a damaged intestinal barrier can increase the risk of atopic dermatitis. It is suspected that certain microorganisms in the gut of atopic dermatitis patients are underrepresented compared to healthy individuals, while others may be disproportionately present.
How atopic dermatitis alters the skin microbiome
The skin is the largest organ of the human body and has many important functions, including protection, regulation of body temperature, reception of sensory stimuli and secretion of sweat. The skin microbiome refers to the entirety of all microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, that live on the skin of a human or animal. These microbes live in a dynamic ecosystem on the skin and play a vital role in regulating skin health and the protective mechanism against harmful microbes. A balanced skin microbiome is crucial for healthy skin, while a change in the microbial population on the skin can lead to skin problems such as eczema or infections. In some skin diseases, this balance can be disrupted, resulting in inflammation and flare-ups of eczema. For example, in atopic dermatitis (eczema), an increased number of microbes are found. Staphylococcus aureus compared to healthy skin.
Deep Dive: Bacterial strain Staphylococcus aureus
Staphylococcus aureus is a common pathogen found in the skin layers and may play a role in the development of atopic dermatitis. Studies have shown that people with atopic dermatitis have a higher number of Staphylococcus aureus more people have on their skin than healthy people. Staphylococcus aureus It can cause inflammation and disrupt the skin barrier function, which can contribute to a worsening of eczema symptoms. In some cases, treatment of Staphylococcus aureus They can improve the symptoms of atopic dermatitis. However, it is important to note that not everyone with atopic dermatitis will experience this. Staphylococcus aureushave an infection, and that there are other factors that may play a role in the development and course of atopic dermatitis, including genetic factors, environmental stressors and a disrupted gut-skin axis.
New approach: A healthy gut flora
An unhealthy diet rich in refined carbohydrates, sugar and processed foods can lead to dysbiosis (disruption of the microbiome) in the gut and thus also influence the occurrence of atopic dermatitis.
A balanced diet rich in fiber, fresh fruits, and vegetables can improve the gut microbiome and help reduce eczema. Recent studies also show that probiotic supplements can support the gut microbiome. Probiotics contribute to improving the gut environment, balancing immune responses, and regulating metabolic activity.
In this context, we developed our Dermabacs® – a synbiotic that can specifically target atopic dermatitis. Want to learn more? Then click here and discover Dermabacs®!
