Chronic diseases of a neurogenic and allergic nature include neurodermatitis. Pathology can manifest itself at any age. Its other name is atopic dermatitis. Manifestations of neurodermatitis are associated with the appearance of rashes on the skin and itching. These symptoms cause discomfort and require special comprehensive treatment to relieve them. You will need to buy medications at the pharmacy and use them as prescribed by the doctor. Today you can order medications online with delivery at an affordable price.
Causes
The reasons for the development of neurodermatitis can be caused by endogenous and exogenous factors. The disease is often associated with a genetic predisposition. Another common cause of the development of neuroderma is disruption of the autonomic nervous system. Hyperactivity of the skin can provoke pathology.
Various concomitant diseases can cause the development of neuroderma. Problems with the skin often arise against the background of cancer and malfunctions of the endocrine system. The risks of developing atopic dermatitis increase with diabetes mellitus and atherosclerosis.
Exogenous causes also include allergenic factors. This can be pet hair, plant pollen, cosmetic products, etc. The manifestations of neuroderma increase in the following cases:
- With nervous overexcitation.
- When changing climate zone.
- With decreased immunity.
What we put inside
As I already said, skin with genetic defects initially has an inadequate barrier function and needs continuous protection.
The first generation of emollients solved this by creating a hydrophobic film based on petroleum jelly, paraffins and waxes, which in fact tries to imitate a natural barrier so as not to let moisture out and keep evil bacteria out. The problem with using such drugs, especially on the face, is that they clog the ducts of the sebaceous glands and provoke the formation of comedones. As a result, we seem to be solving one problem, but at the same time we get a massive proliferation of anaerobic Cutibacterium acnes, which are only happy about the lack of oxygen and can cause acne if they multiply heavily in the ducts of the sebaceous glands. We avoided this problem by using two polysiloxanes as a base: cyclopentasiloxane and dimethiconol. The first, due to the small size of the molecule, is quite volatile and can evaporate, while the second forms a gas-permeable protective barrier, acting as a texture former. At the same time, dimethiconol allows the skin to breathe, but reduces moisture loss. As a result, the product has a characteristic oily shine when applied, but very quickly the main part of the silicone base evaporates, and the skin becomes matte without a greasy feeling. Cutibacterium acnes also does not try to multiply beyond reasonable limits, since oxygen continues to penetrate and inhibits their reproduction and the formation of comedones. The bonus of such a light texture is the low consumption. Instead of 600 grams per week, people with atopic dermatitis need a dosage 2–2.5 times lower.
In addition, we did not add urea, which many products for atopic skin contain, since with frequent use it loosens the epidermis and, on the contrary, provokes itching.
Chamomile flowers.
In addition to phytosterols and ceramides, which are key in the product and are needed to restore the protective layer, we added bisabolol. It is a terpene that is found in large quantities in flowers of the chamomile genus. In its pure form it smells very pleasantly of something floral, but the smell is weak. But what is important for us is not its perfume properties, but its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Thanks to it, itching and inflammation go away.
We also added calendula oil extract, which was stabilized with vitamin E so that it does not oxidize. Usually the traditional antioxidant in formulations is vitamin C, but this time it was impossible to add it. Ascorbic acid and its salts are insoluble in oils and silicones. That's why we used fat-soluble vitamin E, which perfectly protects delicate organic components from oxidation. At the same time, it, together with vitamin A, protects damaged skin from free radical damage, inhibiting lipid peroxidation of cell membranes.
In addition, the composition contains squalane, a hydrocarbon of the triterpene series, its own analogue is synthesized by the skin. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect and helps form a protective layer.
Well, just for the sake of perfectionism, we added a complex of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which is also sometimes called “vitamin F”. Although somewhere since 1930 it was transferred from vitamins to the group of essential fats and fatty acids. This group is better known as Omega-3 and Omega-6 unsaturated acids. In our case, their source is a complex of natural vegetable oils, which at the same time improve the structural properties of the product.
Symptoms
Symptoms of neuroderma are an itchy rash on the skin. When scratching the skin, there is a risk of violating its integrity. Because of this, there are risks of bacterial penetration and the development of inflammation. In such cases, it is necessary to use antiseptic drugs, which can now be purchased in pharmacies or ordered online with delivery to the specified address.
The pathology can affect small areas of the skin, but in severe cases, large areas of damage are observed. If they occur in several places, then widespread atopic dermatitis is diagnosed. On the skin, when neurodermatitis develops, photos confirm this; plaques first appear, which consist of small papules. Additionally, there is a feeling of increased dryness, and visually it seems that the skin is sprinkled with flour.
Since the skin rash is constantly itchy, scratch marks may appear over time. This can be avoided if you use special medications. Today they are often sold in pharmacies on promotions, so they are cheap.
What to do with the skin?
Patients with atopic dermatitis cannot live normally without emollients (emollients).
This is a type of gels and creams whose task is to saturate the skin with moisture and soften it. To provide the required level of protection, patients require many of these drugs. So many. Consumption can reach 600 grams per week for an adult during an exacerbation. During remission, the amount may decrease slightly, but the drugs still need to be applied at least twice a day. First of all, you need to protect areas of the body that are susceptible to damage. The exposed areas of the body - the hands and face - suffer the most, as they are more exposed to weather factors than others. In addition, hands also suffer from washing. It is necessary from a hygienic point of view, but atopic skin does not tolerate any detergents that wash away its protective layer. Therefore, general treatment should be immediately after regular bathing in the shower with gentle products, before swimming in pools with chlorinated water and after each hand washing. If necessary, the frequency of application can be increased to seven times a day.
Naturally, we could not ignore such a market, especially since hydration and transdermal transport are the specialization of our laboratory. We had both a moisturizing cream and a healing product “Intensive Regeneration”, which we once wanted to put almost in the ISS first aid kit. But “Intensive Regeneration” turned out to be quite expensive, and we were looking for other market niches. And there are procedures that are aggressive to the skin, such as chemical peels. In the first phase, the task is to relieve the inflammatory process and “feed” the skin cells to help the regeneration process. The skin requires hyaluronic acid salts for normal epithelialization and hydrophilic compounds. Any hydrophobic oil textures will only interfere here.
Hyaluronic acid salts bring bound moisture on their huge molecules. Somewhere on the third to fifth day after aggressive peeling, the skin epithelializes, but begins to resemble a cracked desert.
Clayey, saline desert with characteristic cracking.
At the same time, people begin to itch, and most often with far from sterile nails. Against the background of such procedures, Staphylococcus aureus may arrive. The skin needs to be somehow moisturized, the crusts softened and covered with a protective layer. If everything is done correctly, then after some time the crusts will fall off, and underneath there will be new, nice skin, which is what we wanted to get after peeling. If you send a patient to simply spray D-panthenol in his face, then there is a high risk that he will still scratch everything and end up with minor defects in the form of scars and age spots. Remember how it was forbidden to pick off the scabs when you had chickenpox? Something similar here.
We have developed the Ceramide SkinSaver formula specifically for this purpose. The most important thing is the complete absence of water in the composition. Instead of water, there is a stable emulsion of low molecular weight silicone and lipids. The lipid fraction is ceramides - sphingolipids, which are important for the formation of a protective layer. We added them to the composition along with fatty acids and phytosterols.
As a result of the research, it unexpectedly turned out that this composition is simply perfect for the problem of atopic dermatitis, although we developed it for other purposes. But first, I’ll tell you what distinguishes it from other emollients.
Complications
Without proper treatment, atopic dermatitis progresses and causes serious complications. A severe form of the disease, in addition to skin disorders, is characterized by a general deterioration in general condition. Patients experience rapid fatigue and weakness with minimal exertion. Against this background, apathy develops. Weight loss and decreased blood pressure may also occur.
With the development of neurodermatitis, the following complications may most often occur:
- Atopic march, which is characterized by the occurrence of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma. Most often the condition is observed in childhood.
- Hill's erythroderma. In this case, inflammation of the skin occurs, which is accompanied by hyperemia and swelling. In severe cases, more than 90% of the skin may be affected.
Classification of neurodermatitis
Depending on the prevalence of skin lesions, the following forms are distinguished:
- limited
- covers individual areas of the skin - disseminated
- combines several foci of limited neurodermatitis. - diffuse
– diffuse damage to the skin.
Diagnostics
Diagnosing neurodermatitis with a dermatologist is not difficult. This is due to the clear clinical picture. Initially, anamnesis is collected. During a conversation with a patient, the doctor is primarily interested in the presence of atopic diseases in relatives. He will also be interested in other questions in particular:
- Seasonality of exacerbations of pathology.
- Negative reactions to vaccination.
- Presence of allergic reactions.
A general blood test is important for making a diagnosis. First of all, the level of eosinophils and leukocytes, as well as ESR indicators, are assessed. Additionally, skin tests and cultures are performed. An immunogram is also performed, which allows you to evaluate the main indicators of the immune system. During diagnosis, other studies may be prescribed to rule out scabies, psoriasis, eczema and other diseases with similar symptoms.
To diagnose the presence of concomitant chronic diseases, consultations with highly specialized specialists are required. Based on their recommendations, the required laboratory and instrumental studies are carried out. Patients must undergo a psychological examination. This allows you to confirm or exclude the presence of malfunctions in the autonomic nervous system.
Prognosis and prevention
Children's neurodermatitis often goes away as they grow older. But if it becomes chronic, there is a high probability that symptoms will appear periodically throughout life. However, complex treatment can significantly improve the quality of life of such patients, reducing the risk of relapse to a minimum.
Prevention of neurodermatitis in children includes careful planning of pregnancy, monitoring the use of medications throughout the entire gestation period, as well as following a diet that excludes the consumption of highly allergenic foods. After the baby is born, breastfeeding is preferable with a gentle diet for the nursing mother.
Treatment
Treatment of neurodermatitis is prescribed on an individual basis based on data obtained during the diagnostic process. First of all, the doctor sets a goal to eliminate or weaken the manifestations of pathology. You will need to purchase medications prescribed by your doctor to relieve itching and reduce rashes. This will extend the period of remission.
If necessary, treatment of secondary skin lesions is carried out. They can be provoked by pathogenic microorganisms that have penetrated through lesions on the skin. To prevent complications, you should buy antiseptics, which should be used in accordance with the instructions for use. In this case, it will be possible to quickly remove the inflammation. It is also important to ensure a hypoallergenic lifestyle. To avoid exacerbation of the disease, you should avoid stress and nervous strain, which can reduce the body's natural protective reactions.
Nutrition rules
A diet for neurodermatitis in adults involves avoiding salt, hot and spicy foods, and foods containing large amounts of carbohydrates. In the acute period, foods with a high index of allergic activity are excluded from the diet:
- eggs,
- whole milk,
- seafood,
- chocolate,
- citrus
During the period of exacerbation, you should avoid eating fatty meats and fish, fast food, canned food, and products containing artificial colors and flavors.
The emphasis in nutrition is on following a dairy-vegetable diet. It is healthy to eat fresh vegetables and fruits, salads with vegetable oil, and dairy products. It is recommended to drink more fluid (up to 2 liters per day). The diet includes boiled dietary meat, cereals, vegetable purees, and low-fat broths. It is better to replace sugar with xylitol or sorbitol. The preferred drinks are green tea, rosehip decoction, compotes, and mineral water.
