Neurodermatitis - an unavoidable fate?
For many years now a steady increase in the number of cases of neurodermatitis has been registered. According to the most recent studies, some 20 % of the population of Germany is affected at the present time - and unfortunately the trend is still upwards.
Characteristic of this syndrome is the fact that it is a very complex one which - in spite of intensive research work - is still very hard to understand and which - therapeutically - is decidedly problematic. Nevertheless there are no grounds for resignation. Although there is no wonder cure for the illness, it is possible with the aid of a targeted, individually composed combination of different therapies, measures and changes in behaviour of the sufferer to alleviate or - in the most favourable cases - fully eliminate the symptoms.
Symptoms with neurodermatitis
In most cases the greatest discomfort is an extremely tormenting itching. Frequently sufferers do not find relief until the skin has been scratched so much that it starts to bleed. The skin of a neurodermatitis patient is reddened, scaly and can - particularly in acute cases - be discharging. With school children, young persons and adults, the eczema occurs frequently in the hollow of the elbows and knees. Fundamentally, however, any part of the body can be affected. Overall the skin is dry. Cracks are frequently to be found on the lobes of the ears. Since the supply of blood to the skin is reduced, the patients are generally very pale and show dark shadows around the eyes. The sides of the eyebrows are often thinned-out or are missing completely. It is not unusual for the lower eyelid to have a double fold.
In numerous cases the patient also suffers from other allergies such as asthma or hayfever. It is estimated that one third of sufferers come from so-called atopic families, i.e. the parents, grandparents or siblings also suffer from allergies.
The actual cause of the illness is unknown. However one does know that the functions of the immune system are markedly changed, these changes expressing themselves in the increased formation of immunoglobulin E. This is an antitoxin which frequently plays a central role in the occurrence of allergic reactions. At the same time the level of another antitoxin, namely secretory immunoglobulin A, is reduced. The latter covers and protects all mucous membranes of the body and prevents allergens (allergy-triggering substances on pollens, food and other things) as well as morbiferous bacteria, viruses and fungi from being able to get into the body.
The consequence of the changes in the quantities of these two different antitoxins is that - on the one hand - an increased number of allergens get into the body and - on the other hand - that these cause excessive defensive reactions, i.e. IgE is formed.
Although a series of the external triggers that activate or aggravate neurodermatitis are known, the significance of these different factors can differ greatly from individual case to individual case. Thus, for example, allergies, infections and stress can precede an acute increase in the illness. Tight clothing, articles of clothing of wool, hot water and cold air disinfectants or stabilizers can irritate the sensitive skin of the patient and aggravate or provoke the well-known skin reactions.
Neurodermatitis - an individual syndrome requiring individual therapy
The therapist should prepare an individual therapeutic concept that takes into account the particular symptoms, illness triggers and personal circumstances of the individual patient.
Here the microbial therapy - as a process regulating the immune system - plays a central role. The different types of bacteria contained in the Pro-Symbioflor®, Symbioflor® 1 and Symbioflor® 2 preparations are able to regulate the immune system in different ways and with different degrees of intensity. The objective of each therapy is to regulate the production of the immunoglobulins IgE and IgA and thereby to damp down excessive defensive reactions, reduce the flow of allergens into the body and improve the local mucous membrane defence systems.
As flanking measures within the framework of an overall neurodermatitis therapy, pharmaceuticals from the fields of homeopathy and phytotherapy, psychotherapy, climatic cures in the mountains or at the seaside and UV radiation can be employed.
Particular significance is attached to a highly nutritious diet. Here use must be made of natural foods as far as possible. An appropriate dietary therapy - possibly under the supervision of a dietician - has a favourable effect on the course of the illness and supports the effect of the other therapeutic measures.
Also of great importance is the care of the affected skin. Here the motto "less is more" applies! Showering in lukewarm water not more than 2 - 3 times a week is to be preferred to bathing in hot water. Instead of soap, a washing lotion containing no perfume, dyes or preserving agents is recommended, whereby this should be applied sparingly. Similarly skin ointments and bodycare creams should only be employed when needed and in the minimum quantity required.
By following a therapy put together in accordance with his/her individual requirements, by sticking to a properly formulated diet and by adapting a sensible mode of life, the patient has the opportunity of contributing actively to the mitigation or even healing of this illness, which too often is accepted in a fatalistic and resigned manner.