In this blog article, you will learn what you need to know about neurodermatitis (also called atopic dermatitis).
Neurodermatitis is a chronic skin condition characterized by dry skin that can be irritated, very itchy, scaly, and inflamed. The condition is one of the most common skin diseases in Germany and often begins in childhood. In adults, neurodermatitis particularly appears on the inner sides of the arms and legs, the neck, and the hands.
Who is affected?
Studies have shown that toddlers are most frequently affected. While the condition is about equally distributed between girls and boys aged five to nine, this changes significantly after the age of 10. After the age of 10, women are more often affected compared to men. However, the symptoms do not differ.
What symptoms are there?
The symptoms can vary in intensity for each individual. Some people experience occasional flare-ups of neurodermatitis symptoms, while others suffer from symptoms almost constantly. Depending on the severity and location of the symptoms, neurodermatitis can affect quality of life to varying degrees. Treatment can help control the symptoms. For many people, the condition improves by adulthood, but for some, it can last a lifetime. Symptoms can be managed with a combination of medications, skincare products, and avoiding triggers. Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce symptom severity and improve quality of life.
What causes neurodermatitis?
The causes of neurodermatitis are not yet fully understood, but it is believed that a combination of genetic and environmental factors plays a role. A key factor is a disturbed skin barrier function and a genetically predisposed tendency of the immune system to overreact to harmless environmental stimuli. In addition to heredity, allergies are also known risk factors. About two-thirds of those affected have an allergic form of the disease. They often have more severe symptoms and more frequently suffer from hay fever or allergic asthma. Other possible contributing factors include moisture loss from the skin, metabolic disorders, stress, and other psychological burdens. Indeed, the disease and its symptoms have a reciprocal relationship with mental well-being. Stress can worsen neurodermatitis, but conversely, the symptoms—especially nighttime itching—can be mentally distressing. It is important to note that each person may react differently to triggers.
Together with food allergies, allergic asthma, and allergic rhinitis, neurodermatitis belongs to the group of atopic diseases.
Atopic diseases are a group of chronic conditions caused by an overactive immune response to certain stimuli or allergens.
Why the gut can also be a trigger
In addition to the causes mentioned above, it has also been found that the development of neurodermatitis is linked 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 have a higher likelihood of developing neurodermatitis. This proven connection between the gut and neurodermatitis is called the "gut-skin axis." It has been shown that a healthy gut flora and an intact gut barrier are important for regulating the immune system and preventing inflammation. A disturbed gut flora and a damaged gut barrier can increase the risk of neurodermatitis. It is suspected that certain microorganisms in the gut are underrepresented in neurodermatitis patients compared to healthy individuals, while others may be disproportionately present.
How neurodermatitis changes 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 totality of all microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, that live on the skin of a person or animal. These microbes live in a dynamic ecosystem on the skin and play an important role in regulating skin health and the protective mechanism against harmful microbes. A balance in the skin microbiome is crucial for healthy skin, while changes in the microbial population on the skin can lead to skin problems such as eczema or infections. In some skin diseases, this balance is disturbed, leading to inflammation and eczema flare-ups. For example, in neurodermatitis, there is an increased presence of Staphylococcus aureus compared to healthy skin.
Deep Dive: Bacterial strain Staphylococcus aureus
Staphylococcus aureus is a common pathogen found in the skin layers and can play a role in the development of neurodermatitis. Studies have shown that people with neurodermatitis have a higher number of Staphylococcus aureus on their skin than healthy individuals. Staphylococcus aureus can cause inflammation and disrupt the function of the skin barrier, which can contribute to worsening neurodermatitis symptoms. In some cases, treating Staphylococcus aureus can improve neurodermatitis symptoms. However, it is important to note that not all people with neurodermatitis have a Staphylococcus aureus infection, and that other factors can also play a role in the development and course of neurodermatitis, including genetic factors, environmental exposures, and a disturbed gut-skin axis.
New approach: A healthy gut flora
An unhealthy diet rich in refined carbohydrates, sugar, and processed foods can lead to dysbiosis (microbiome imbalance) in the gut and thus also influence the occurrence of neurodermatitis.
A balanced diet rich in fiber, fresh fruits, and vegetables can improve the gut microbiome and help reduce neurodermatitis. The latest 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 have developed our Dermabacs® – a synbiotic that can specifically act against neurodermatitis. Want to learn more? Then click here and discover Dermabacs®!
