Neurodermatitis: Prevention

2023 Author: Wallace Forman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 11:04

Neurodermatitis: prevention

Genetic factors are one of the main causes of atopic dermatitis. If the chronic skin disease (or another allergy) already occurs in the parents' generation or in siblings, babies are at an increased risk of developing it as well. A number of measures are recommended especially for these children at risk in order to reduce the risk of an illness occurring. These tips can also help reduce risk in children without a known tendency towards neurodermatitis.

navigation

• Continue reading
• more on the subject
• Advice, downloads & tools
• Avoid active & passive smoking
• Breastfeeding as a protective factor
• Livestock farming has a positive effect
• Questionable effects of probiotics
• No negative influence from vaccinations
• Avoid allergens as much as possible

Avoid active & passive smoking

Smoking during pregnancy and breastfeeding increases the risk of atopic dermatitis significantly. Therefore, women should not smoke actively or passively during pregnancy. Even after the birth, the child should be kept in a smoke-free environment.

Breastfeeding as a protective factor

Breast milk is an important protective factor to counteract the development of neurodermatitis. Breastfeeding for at least four months and the late (> four months) introduction of complementary foods is recommended for prevention in children at risk (positive family history of atopic diseases). In children who develop atopic eczema while breastfeeding, however, allergens transmitted via breast milk can be important provocation factors and make it necessary to switch to (hydrolyzed) baby food.

Note Even if breastfeeding is not possible for other reasons, hypoallergenic baby food should be fed.

Livestock farming has a positive effect

Children who grow up on a farm where livestock are kept show significantly less sensitization, bronchial asthma and allergic conjunctivitis. Pig farming seems to have a particularly favorable effect. The effects of keeping pets are controversial. If there is a proven allergy, pets should not be kept in the living area if possible.

Questionable effects of probiotics

The use of probiotics (lactobacilli) is intensely promoted in advertising. The current study situation suggests that taking probiotics during pregnancy and in the first lifetime could counteract the development of neurodermatitis. However, many questions about its effectiveness and intake remain open. Therefore, there are no standardized recommendations from medical societies. You can find more information at www.medizin.transparent.at.

No negative influence from vaccinations

The influence of vaccinations on the likelihood of atopic disease occurring is controversial. The results of the studies carried out so far on this topic are inconsistent. Large meta-analyzes showed no negative effects of the vaccination. In the vaccination plan of the National Vaccination Committee, children at risk (positive family history of atopic diseases) and children with neurodermatitis that has already broken out are not excluded from the generally applicable vaccination recommendations.

Avoid allergens as much as possible

To reduce the risk of atopic dermatitis, it is recommended to avoid substances with a known high allergy-causing potential. This includes contact allergens such as detergent residues, henna, nail polish. The reduction of house dust mites is particularly important. For tips on reducing dust mite exposure, see House Dust Mite Allergy: Allergen Avoidance.