Neurodermatitis - Non-drug Therapies

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

Neurodermatitis: Non-drug therapy

A number of non-drug measures are also recommended for the treatment and prevention of neurodermatitis and are used with varying degrees of success. This includes phototherapy, elimination diets, reduction of house dust mites, psychological treatment / psychotherapy and helpful tips for everyday life with neurodermatitis.

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• Phototherapy for pronounced neurodermatitis
• Elimination diets only with an exact diagnosis
• Reduction of house dust mites
• psychotherapy
• Tips for those affected
• How are the costs going to be covered?

Phototherapy for pronounced neurodermatitis

Phototherapy has gained a firm place in the last few decades and can have a beneficial effect on neurodermatitis. Diseased skin areas are irradiated with UV light of different wavelengths. It is offered not only in hospitals, but also by dermatologists in private practice. Currently, the effectiveness of UVB therapy in moderately pronounced neurodermatitis and that of high-dose UVA-1 therapy in acute, severe relapses is best established. Phototherapy can be used in combination with topical corticosteroid treatment and adjusted to the degree of disease and severity. Children under twelve years of age should not be treated with phototherapy, or only in exceptional cases.

Elimination diets only with an exact diagnosis

Around half of infants and toddlers with persistent (long-term) eczema are also sensitized to food. However, an allergy to food components that actually causes symptoms (primarily to cow's milk and hen's eggs) can only be demonstrated in a few children with neurodermatitis. Sensitization to food may also be detectable in older patients. For more information, see Food Allergies & Intolerances.

An elimination diet limited to one to two years (targeted exclusion of certain foods) for children, adolescents and adults with neurodermatitis is justified if a clear diagnosis of a food allergy is made. Then it should be checked again by a doctor, as many food allergies subside on their own. In order to ensure a balanced diet even with an elimination diet, the diet should be accompanied by a dietician.

No diets should be carried out in children without diagnosis, as this could deprive them of essential nutritional components that are necessary for normal development. Except for proven allergies / intolerance, a balanced mixed diet is also the best form of nutrition for children with neurodermatitis.

Reduction of house dust mites

Inhaled allergens can be provocation factors for neurodermatitis. Many of those affected are clearly sensitized to house dust mites. Measures to reduce house dust mites therefore seem to be sensible in these patients, especially encasings (especially mite-proof bed linen).

psychotherapy

Mental and emotional factors are seen as relevant influencing factors for atopic dermatitis and, conversely, are presumably influenced by eczema. Perhaps some of the scratching can become a habit. This results - in the so-called itch-scratch cycle - a worsening of the eczema, which in turn leads to increased scratching via the itching.

In the case of neurodermatitis, psychotherapy can be a valuable complementary therapeutic measure for some patients with severe emotional stress in order to improve the handling of the disease and its severity. Behavioral therapeutic approaches primarily aim to interrupt the itch-scratch cycle.

Tips for those affected

• Showering or bathing with lipid replenishing preparations, because the protective acid mantle of the skin is attacked by long full baths.
• Do not shower or bathe too hot (below 32 ° C), too long (5–10 min) and too often.
• Dab yourself with the towel and avoid rubbing.
• Go on vacation in the mountains or by the sea. A change in climate is often good.
• Avoid intensive sunbathing, sweating and water containing chlorine.
• Short fingernails prevent excessive scratching.
• Ventilate regularly. The indoor air is often much too dry, especially in winter.

How are the costs going to be covered?

The costs for phototherapy are usually covered by the health insurance providers. Under the following link you will find information on the use of psychotherapy. Measures to reduce house dust mites, e.g. through encasings, are to be financed by those affected themselves.