Skin care for atopic dermatitis: tips for better feeling skin

Neurodermatitis, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterised by dry, itchy and irritated skin. The skin barrier is weakened, which is why personalised, gentle and effective skin care is particularly important.

Gentle cleaning: pH-neutral products and dosage

• If possible, use solid, environmentally friendly soap containing olive oil.
• Alternatively: Use pH-neutral, soap-free, environmentally friendly washing lotions or syndets with a pH value between 4.5 and 6.0. Conventional soaps are alkaline (pH 8-11), dry out the skin and disrupt the protective acid mantle.
• Only wash the parts of the body that tend to develop odours and really need to be cleaned, such as the armpits, genital area or feet, and not the whole body with soap.
• Do not shower for longer than 3-5 minutes and avoid hot water above 37 °C to avoid destroying your skin's protective acid mantle.
• Shower a maximum of once a day, more rarely. 

Dealing with severe itching

• Itching should be suppressed as far as possible in order to avoid scratching and thus aggravation, e.g. through infection.
• Use cooling compresses or soothing lotions.

Nutrition for neurodermatitis

• A healthy, balanced diet can have a supportive effect.
• Avoid common allergens or intolerances: Dairy products, nuts, eggs, tomatoes, white flour - if these are your individual triggers.
• Drink at least 2 litres of liquid in the form of water or unsweetened teas for optimum skin hydration.

What should be strictly avoided?

• Fragrances, alcohols and other skin-irritating substances in care products and cosmetics.
• Excessive heat, dry air and excessive washing.
• Ointments with a high oil content, as these do not moisturise the skin sufficiently and can significantly worsen the condition.

Our recommendation: proactive skin care as a basic therapy

Use moisturising creams and lotions daily to stabilise your skin barrier (basic therapy), even during periods without flare-ups. Regular use reduces the risk of new flare-ups and significantly improves skin health.

A dermatologist should be consulted immediately if itching is severe or distressing, if sleep and quality of life are restricted or if severe flare-ups occur. Acute flare-ups often require medical treatment.