Atopic dermatitis is a condition that typically accompanies sufferers for life. However, it is possible to manage the symptoms of atopic dermatitis, so that while the disease may remain latent, the painful side effects are avoided.

The symptoms of atopic dermatitis can occur anywhere

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, also known as atopic eczema. The disease is associated with a hereditary predisposition and usually first appears in early childhood or puberty.

However, in many children, atopic dermatitis disappears on its own and does not reappear later in life.

For the majority of affected individuals, the skin disease remains latent throughout their lives. “Late” means that the disease is present even during symptom-free periods and can flare up again at any time.

The generally very dry and extremely sensitive skin of people with atopic dermatitis is usually reddened in characteristic areas such as the elbows, backs of the knees, neck, and scalp. In addition to these skin areas, the forehead, eyelids, arms, and hands can also be affected. In the worst case, it can spread to the entire skin.

The skin reacts to external and internal stimuli

In atopic dermatitis, the skin reacts to external and internal stimuli in these areas with inflammation, leading to the formation of blisters, which ultimately develop into weeping eczema and crusting. This reaction, known as a flare-up, is accompanied by extreme itching that significantly impairs the quality of life of those affected.

Skin irritations can be triggered externally by heat, sweat, contaminated water, dry room air, intolerance to detergents or skin care products, synthetic clothing, etc.

Internally, food additives, food allergies or intolerances, microbial infections and, above all, psychological stress and strain can cause inflammation of the skin.

The condition often occurs together with hay fever and allergic asthma. In this case, it is referred to as the atopic triad. This term describes hypersensitivity of the skin and mucous membranes, which is accompanied by increased production of antibodies to defend against foreign substances.

The natural skin barrier is defective

Healthy skin does not react in this way to the skin stimuli described above. Therefore, it can be assumed that the skin of a patient with atopic dermatitis is generally unhealthy, even during symptom-free phases.

The extremely dry skin of a person with atopic dermatitis leads to a severe disruption of the natural skin barrier, whose function is to protect against environmental influences (1).

The skin barrier consists of layered horny cells held together by epidermal lipids. These lipids are not produced in sufficient quantities in atopic dermatitis.

As a result, the skin lacks, among other things, lipids, which act as natural moisturizing factors and bind water. The reduced lipid production, combined with increased water loss, leads to extremely dry skin on the one hand and a damaged skin barrier on the other.

Atopic dermatitis skin is always prone to inflammation

In addition, the skin inflammations that accompany atopic dermatitis attacks allow bacteria and other microorganisms to enter the bloodstream unhindered through the exposed skin.

There, the invaders are then attacked by specialized immune cells. This immune reaction triggers renewed inflammatory processes, making it impossible for the skin to regenerate itself.

Even during periods of flare-ups, the skin of a person with atopic dermatitis exhibits what is known as subclinical (mild) inflammation. Although this is not visible, it can be measured by an increased number of inflammatory cells. The skin is then in a state of waiting, so to speak, in which a specific trigger (see above) can reactivate the inflammatory process.

Possible causes of the outbreak of atopic dermatitis

In recent decades, many hypotheses have been put forward as to which triggers ultimately lead to the actual onset of atopic dermatitis. The possible trigger factors are diverse, and often involve a combination of different factors.

Neurodermatitis due to lipid metabolism disorder

Enzyme defects in lipid metabolism have been identified in atopic dermatitis patients, which lead to reduced production of gamma-linolenic acid.

Gamma-linolenic acid is produced by the body through the absorption and conversion of linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid. In patients with atopic dermatitis, this conversion process does not occur to the required extent due to the enzyme defect, which can lead to a gamma-linolenic acid deficiency.

However, this fatty acid is essential for maintaining the body’s health because it is the basic building block for tissue hormones that regulate metabolism.

Furthermore, it is crucial for the normal development of the nervous system and the immune system. And, together with its immunoregulating and anti-inflammatory properties, gamma-linolenic acid is essential for people with atopic dermatitis.

Measure: Gamma-linolenic acid for atopic dermatitis

Due to the often low gamma-linolenic acid levels in people with atopic dermatitis, taking evening primrose oil or borage seed oil as a dietary supplement (in capsule form) is recommended. These oils contain a high proportion of gamma-linolenic acid, which can significantly improve the skin’s appearance.

The regular use of hemp oil is also particularly recommended, as it – in contrast to evening primrose or borage seed oil – has a very delicate taste and can therefore wonderfully refine raw food dishes (e.g. salads).

Hemp oil provides the organism with both the essential gamma-linolenic acid and many valuable omega 3 fatty acids, which also have a strong anti-inflammatory effect (2).

Therefore, hemp oil should be used daily in cold dishes or pure as a dietary supplement to cover the gamma-linolenic acid requirement (3).

In addition to internal use, hemp oil also provides valuable support for people with atopic dermatitis when applied externally, as it is an excellent skin care oil. Hemp oil is quickly absorbed into the skin and is ideal for the care of sensitive, irritated, and inflamed skin. Hemp oil inhibits inflammation, relieves itching, and soothes the skin.

Neurodermatitis caused by a malfunctioning immune system

Defects in the activity of immune cells have also been found in atopic dermatitis patients. In some patients, these defense cells were overactive, thus provoking inflammatory processes.

In other affected individuals, however, the activity of the immune cells was severely limited, so that they could not adequately destroy invaders such as fungi, bacteria, viruses or other harmful substances.

The overactivity of the immune system causes an enormous amount of antibodies (specific defense substances) to be produced. These include immunoglobulin E (IgE), which is found predominantly in the skin and mucous membranes.

IgE causes histamine to be released during an immune reaction. The more IgE produced, the greater the histamine release. However, an excess of histamine promotes inflammatory processes and causes severe itching. These are precisely the symptoms that people with atopic dermatitis suffer from.

Measure: Intestinal cleansing to regulate the immune system

Since about 80 percent of the immune system is located in the intestine, colon cleansing should be considered the most important measure in the event of a malfunction of the immune system – regardless of whether it is overactive or weakened.

With the cleansing of the intestines, many harmful toxins are excreted through the stool. This leads to enormous relief of the immune system and is an essential step toward health-promoting immune function.

However, intestinal cleansing has additional healing properties for atopic dermatitis. As an imbalanced intestinal flora (dysbacteria) can trigger atopic dermatitis.

Neurodermatitis caused by dysbacteriosis

Skin problems of any kind are ALWAYS closely related to the intestinal condition. Many naturopathic doctors and therapists have long been aware of this connection. Therefore, the worse the skin condition, the more desolate the intestinal condition.

Consequently, it can be assumed that people suffering from atopic dermatitis have an intestinal disorder – especially their intestinal flora – that is just as diseased as their skin.

A diseased intestinal flora is referred to as dysbacteriosis. The term “dysbacteriosis” describes an imbalance between beneficial (health-promoting) and harmful (pathogenic) intestinal bacteria. In dysbacteriosis, the latter are present in a significant predominance, while the beneficial intestinal bacteria progressively decline.

However, as soon as the pathogenic bacteria are present in excess in the intestine, they prevent the proper metabolism of the ingested food, so that an adequate supply of nutrients and vital substances is no longer guaranteed.

In addition, the pathogenic bacteria promote putrefaction processes and gas formation in the intestines, leading to a toxic intestinal environment. This pathogenic environment places immense strain on the immune system and contributes to its weakening.

In addition, the intestinal mucosa is constantly irritated by toxins and gases. However, the beneficial intestinal bacteria, whose role includes protecting the intestinal mucosa, are not available in the required quantities. If these irritants persist over a long period of time, they can ultimately lead to damage to the intestinal mucosa.

Measure: Probiotics against dysbacteriosis

Dysbacteriosis develops in a diseased intestinal environment, so here too—as in the previously explained measure—cleansing the intestines is a top priority. At the same time, the missing health-promoting intestinal bacteria must be replenished in the form of a probiotic supplement (4).

In this way, the balance of intestinal bacteria is restored, a healthy intestinal flora is built up, the intestinal environment is normalized and the immune system is calmed.

All these aspects – together with the other measures explained – have a direct and healing effect on skin health and ensure that neurodermatitis only progresses mildly or that its symptoms disappear completely (5).

However, taking probiotics not only has a positive effect on the skin of people already affected by atopic dermatitis. Even unborn children benefit from probiotics, as they protect them from developing atopic dermatitis.

This was the result of a study with pregnant women who regularly took probiotics as a dietary supplement during their pregnancy (6).

Atopic dermatitis caused by intestinal fungi

Dysbacteriosis also often leads to the colonization of intestinal fungi, such as Candida albicans. This fungus produces metabolic toxins that attack and damage the intestinal mucosa, allowing fungal toxins to enter the bloodstream and trigger allergic reactions, which in turn contribute to skin inflammation.

Measure: Fight intestinal fungi, build up intestinal flora

Candida albicans infection must be treated appropriately after diagnosis.

Regardless of the chosen therapy, intensive intestinal cleansing, in conjunction with a stable development of the intestinal flora, is also urgently recommended.

Neurodermatitis caused by psychological stress

The skin, nerves, and brain develop from the same germ layer in the human embryonic phase and are therefore very closely linked.

This also explains why psychological problems can be seen on the skin. The fact that the skin reflects the psychological state is particularly evident in atopic dermatitis, where it reacts directly to psychological stress with a significant intensification of the typical symptoms.

A perhaps more tangible explanation for the connection between psychological stress and the prompt skin reaction is the following: During a psychologically stressful situation, skin nerves release increased amounts of messenger substances called neuropeptides. These, in turn, inform the immune system’s defense cells, which then release histamine with increased activity.

Measure: Relaxation against stress

Just as stress causes the hormonal balance to release increased levels of stress hormones, pleasant feelings cause a significantly reduced release of these hormones. Instead, neurotransmitters are released that have a calming and balancing effect on the psyche.

A gentle massage or caress from your partner also releases the “cuddle hormone” oxytocin. This hormone immediately counteracts stress and automatically reduces the sensation of pain. This extremely pleasant stress management method is highly recommended.

Other relaxation methods include autogenic training, Tai Chi, yoga, meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, and much more. Find the method that suits you. You can also strengthen your resilience (mental resilience).

Regardless, everyone with atopic dermatitis should try to identify their individual stressors in everyday life and consciously change their minds so that they can deal with them more calmly. This takes some practice, but over time, it works brilliantly.

Unfortunately, stress can exacerbate the symptoms of atopic dermatitis, just as atopic dermatitis can lead to increased stress. This creates a vicious cycle that perpetuates symptoms or causes them to flare up again and again.

Psychological stress due to neurodermatitis

The mere fact of being afflicted with a chronic skin disease represents a major stress factor for those affected.

In addition, there is often the almost unbearable itching, which can lead to sleep and concentration disorders, mood swings and general irritability, even aggression (7).

Here, the interaction between the psyche and neurodermatitis becomes particularly clear, because on the one hand, the disease creates enormous psychological stress and, on the other hand, this stress worsens the symptoms of the disease.

Many people with atopic dermatitis suffer primarily from the visible changes in their skin. The inflamed skin and self-inflicted scratches erode their self-confidence to such an extent that, over time, their personality can even change.

They feel unattractive and therefore often avoid completely natural physical contact, such as handshakes, hugs, or greeting kisses. They consciously isolate themselves and thus become outsiders. People with atopic dermatitis often fall into depression.

In this situation, there is ultimately a constant psychological stress, which is then reflected in an equally consistently poor skin condition.

Measure: Limit skin damage, relieve itching

To prevent further damage to the skin from constant scratching, alternatives to relieve itching should be tested. Cooling the skin thoroughly, such as by running cold water, applying cold washcloths or ice packs from the freezer, or rubbing it with cooling ointments are recommended (8).

If it is still not possible to avoid scratching, at least you should not scratch with your nails, but with the flat of your hand or your knuckles.

A scratching block can also be very helpful, especially with children. This is a wooden block covered in chamois leather that you can make yourself.

In addition, the relaxation techniques mentioned above can help to reduce existing stress.

Atopic dermatitis patients who are under severe psychological stress should definitely seek psychological help. Psychotherapy is essential for approximately 20 percent of those affected (9).

Unhealthy diet promotes neurodermatitis

Chronic diseases of any kind are naturally further promoted by an unhealthy diet (10).

For example, the usual diet often lacks precisely those important micronutrients and vital substances that the body stressed by atopic dermatitis urgently needs. At the same time, a diet rich in highly processed foods places additional strain on the body, leaving it with less and less strength to fight the disease.

A healthy diet or dietary change should begin with adequate fluid intake. This primarily means drinking high-quality water (good mineral water or water from a high-quality water filter).

About 2.5 to 3 liters per day are required initially so that the dried-out skin cells are sufficiently supplied and the body can excrete stored harmful substances – including the inflammatory toxins – through urine.

Part of the fluid intake can be consumed in the form of anti-inflammatory teas, such as ginger tea, nettle tea, lapacho tea or oolong tea (10).

Study with Oolong tea for atopic dermatitis

Oolong tea has been proven to have a positive effect on the regeneration of skin in people with atopic dermatitis. This was clearly demonstrated in a scientific study at Shiga University in Otsu, Japan.

This study involved 121 atopic dermatitis patients. They drank 1 liter of oolong tea every day, divided into three daily doses. After one month, 63 percent of the patients had significantly improved their symptoms.

Measure: Optimal nutrition for atopic dermatitis

In general, a nutrient-rich and alkaline diet is recommended for people with atopic dermatitis. Due to the essential need to minimize pollutants, the foods consumed should be free of pesticides and, as far as possible, come from certified organic farming.

We also recommend regularly incorporating anti-inflammatory foods such as spinach, chard, broccoli, raw sauerkraut, blueberries, almonds, pumpkin seeds and fresh herbs into your diet.

Atopic dermatitis is often accompanied by a food allergy. If the body reacts with corresponding symptoms immediately after ingesting food , the affected person can quickly identify the allergen (11).

However, there are also allergies that trigger a significantly delayed reaction, making it almost impossible to link the allergic reaction to the consumption of a specific food (12).

For this reason, people with atopic dermatitis should generally avoid foods that are known to have a strong allergic potential.

These primarily include gluten-containing products and cow’s milk, as well as all products made from them (except butter). Fruits rich in fruit acids, such as citrus fruits or sour apples, also significantly worsen symptoms in some people with atopic dermatitis.

Incorrect skin care can promote neurodermatitis

Conventional skin care products contain a lot of chemicals that can further damage already sensitive and irritated skin. Therefore, some clinics specializing in atopic dermatitis recommend initially avoiding the use of skin care products, creams, and ointments altogether. If products are used, they should always be natural cosmetics.

Measure: The right skin care for atopic dermatitis

When cleansing your skin, avoid using soaps or bubble baths, as both dry out the skin even more. Instead, use mild, alkaline shower lotions that reactivate the skin’s lipid production. Oil baths are also very well tolerated.

After a shower or bath, the skin must be carefully cared for with regenerating substances, even during symptom-free periods.

Of course, it’s always important to ensure that the skin care products you use are free of chemicals and meet the specific needs of atopic dermatitis skin. This way, the skin can be optimally supplied with nutrients and regenerate as quickly as possible.

Skin care should be applied twice daily to the entire body – including the face if necessary. During acute stages of the disease, skin care is required much more frequently. The affected areas should be moisturized approximately every two hours.

Below, we would like to introduce a special skin care product: ozonated olive oil. All problem skin types benefit from this special treatment, but especially those with atopic dermatitis.

Ozonated olive oil for atopic dermatitis

It is widely known that every skin problem is caused by over-acidification of the body. However, what is less well known is that over-acidified tissue inevitably leads to chronic oxygen deficiency.

This deficiency results from impaired blood circulation in the skin tissue caused by hyperacidity. It severely impairs wound healing and general skin regeneration (13).

Ozonated olive oil can compensate for this deficiency because it contains a stable and exceptionally high oxygen content. The oil’s low surface tension allows it to penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin, supplying the skin cells with oxygen.

The ozonated olive oil is broken down in the subcutaneous tissue and connective tissue, allowing it to release oxygen precisely where oxygen deficiency is greatest. As a result, cellular respiration is regulated and tissue acidification is reduced. This reversal process significantly accelerates the healing of atopic dermatitis skin.

The ozonated olive oil also naturally provides all the care properties and cosmetic effects long known from premium olive oils. Such a high-quality oil increases skin elasticity, reduces pore size and the depth of wrinkles, soothes irritated skin, and, with regular use, restores very dry skin to its velvety softness.

In its ozonated form, olive oil also has strong antimicrobial properties, which can quickly eliminate bacteria, fungi, and other microbes.

Especially with regard to the inflamed and extremely poorly healing skin of a person with neurodermatitis, ozonated olive oil represents THE optimal skin care for those affected.

Colloidal silver for atopic dermatitis

Colloidal silver can also be helpful for neurodermatitis – especially for open skin areas.

To do this, spray sore areas of skin with colloidal silver water and let it dry on the skin. Then apply ozonated olive oil to the entire body, including the sore areas.

The combination of ozonized olive oil with colloidal silver accelerates the wound healing process enormously.

Vitamin B complex for neurodermatitis

The so-called vitamin B complex consists of a total of eight B vitamins that contribute to a well-functioning organism in many ways. They are essential for blood formation and the immune system, as well as for the nervous system and skin metabolism.

The vitamin B complex includes vitamins B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 ​​(pyridoxine), B7 (biotin), B9 (folic acid) and B12 (cobalamin).

Vitamins B3, B5 and B7 in particular support the skin’s ability to regenerate and can be of valuable help, especially for people with skin diseases such as neurodermatitis.

In this condition, however, not only the skin but also the nervous system requires effective support. This is precisely where all other B vitamins demonstrate excellent effectiveness. It’s no coincidence that the B vitamins are commonly referred to as nerve vitamins.

Vitamin B12 plays a key role in this context. On the one hand, it accelerates nerve regeneration and, on the other hand, it has a positive effect on certain messenger substances, so-called neurotransmitters, that significantly influence our mood (25).

Taking a good vitamin B complex as a dietary supplement is therefore generally highly recommended for people with atopic dermatitis.

Vitamin D for atopic dermatitis

Blood tests in atopic dermatitis patients often reveal a significant vitamin D deficiency. This is confirmed by numerous scientific studies, which also describe the effects of appropriate vitamin D supplementation.

For example, a 2013 Egyptian study involved 59 children aged 2 to 12 years. Twenty-nine of the participants had atopic dermatitis. Compared to the 30 children in the control group, the atopic dermatitis children all had significantly lower vitamin D levels (3).

Furthermore, vitamin D levels were found to be significantly higher in mild cases of atopic dermatitis than in moderate or severe cases. This clearly indicates that vitamin D deficiency correlates with the severity of the skin disease.

A Korean study (October 2014) published in the Journal of Pediatrics also refers to the connection between atopic dermatitis and vitamin D deficiency.

The study showed in 226 children with food allergy or atopic dermatitis that vitamin D deficiency both aggravates the skin disease and increases the risk of developing a food allergy (14).

This explains why the skin disease is often accompanied by a food allergy.

A 2013 Polish study from the Medical University of Warsaw, Poland, examined the effects of vitamin D on the symptoms of atopic dermatitis. The study was conducted with 143 subjects, 95 of whom were atopic dermatitis patients and 48 were in the control group. The scientists concluded the following:

Regular intake of vitamin D as a dietary supplement can significantly improve the symptoms of the skin disease. (2) Furthermore, vitamin D has been considered a safe and well-tolerated form of therapy.

A study from the University of California investigated the association between vitamin D deficiency and the frequently occurring bacterial skin infections in people with atopic dermatitis. This study involved 14 affected individuals and 14 healthy controls. Skin tissue samples were taken from the participants at the beginning and end of the study for microscopic examination. During the study, all participants received a daily dose of 4000 IU of vitamin D for a period of 21 days (21).

The study demonstrated that daily vitamin D intake leads to a dramatic increase in cathelicidin* production in the skin of people with atopic dermatitis (15). A slight increase in cathelicidin production was also observed in healthy volunteers. *Cathelicidins are antimicrobial protein molecules that protect the skin from infections. The production of these important molecules is greatly reduced in people with atopic dermatitis.

Avoid the trigger factors of atopic dermatitis

As you can see from our article, atopic dermatitis is an extremely complex condition. Despite this complexity, however, as a sufferer, you have many options for actively participating in restoring your health.

However, we would like to point out once again that the predisposition to neurodermatitis remains for life.

For this reason, you should always avoid the triggers of your atopic dermatitis as much as possible – even if your skin does not show any signs of illness – and generally place great emphasis on a healthy diet and natural skin care.