Symptoms

Symptoms and support with BINAMED

Neurodermatitis, atopic eczema, endogenous eczema and atopic dermatitis are all terms for the same condition: a chronic inflammatory skin disease associated with severe itching. For younger patients in particular, this condition can significantly affect quality of life. Symptoms typically occur in flare-ups, with periods in between where symptoms may be absent.

In infants, atopic dermatitis usually appears after the age of around three months. At this stage, symptoms are often most visible on the face, especially the cheeks and scalp. Typical signs include poorly defined redness of the skin accompanied by intense itching. As a result, these areas are often marked by scratch lesions.

Causes

The exact causes are still not fully understood. In about four out of five cases, atopic dermatitis is associated with a genetic predisposition to allergies. Previous contact with allergy-triggering substances also plays a role, such as contact with pets, dust mites, or certain foods like eggs and cow’s milk protein. Stress and cigarette smoke may also be contributing factors.

Symptoms

Atopic dermatitis is typically characterised by very dry skin. This can be caused, for example, by reduced function of the sebaceous glands in affected areas. In healthy skin, sebaceous glands continuously produce small amounts of sebum, which keeps the skin smooth. Sebum also contains substances that help inhibit the growth of microorganisms. In affected skin, these protective functions are reduced or absent, which leads to dryness.

Due to inflammatory changes in the skin and the influence of certain bacteria, individuals with atopic dermatitis often experience itching. The skin’s protective barrier function is impaired, allowing bacteria and fungi to spread more easily. This may sometimes be visible as a yellowish discolouration of the affected skin.

Even in infancy, atopic dermatitis may affect not only the face and head but the entire body.

As the condition progresses, the flexor and extensor surfaces of the arms and legs are often affected, particularly the elbows and knees. The torso may also be involved. In many cases, the diaper area remains unaffected due to its higher moisture levels, which help maintain skin hydration.

Neck eczema often occurs during adolescence and may be accompanied by weeping lesions and scratch marks. Hand and foot eczema are also common in atopic dermatitis, particularly in childhood and adolescence.

Each case of atopic dermatitis is different and can present in a variety of ways. Symptoms mainly result from inflammatory changes in the skin. As a result, nodules, blisters, and excoriations may develop. The affected skin is often associated with intense itching, which can be very distressing for infants and young children.

This is also an area where BINAMED® silver textiles can be used.

Therapy

In addition to antibiotic treatment, psychotherapy, and light therapy, the use of silver textiles is receiving increasing attention.

During a development phase lasting over two years, BINAMED studied conditions such as atopic dermatitis, eczema, fungal skin infections, and hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).

In cooperation with specialist physicians and the PsoriSol Clinic in Hersbruck, which specialises in dermatology and allergology, special textiles were developed that combine textile expertise with the medical needs of people affected by these skin conditions.

When in contact with the skin, the silver integrated into the textiles can help reduce the growth and spread of bacteria associated with itching in atopic dermatitis. Inflammatory reactions may be reduced, and itching can be alleviated. This can support the skin’s natural healing process.

You can find more information about how medical silver textiles work in our INFORMATION CENTRE.

Many patients look for alternatives to cortisone treatment. BINAMED, in cooperation with specialist clinics, self-help groups, and neurodermatitis training programmes with qualified coaches, provides extensive information on treatment options using its special textiles.

A wide range of silver textiles have been developed which:

• are largely seamless
• offer an optimal fit for all sizes thanks to advanced knitting technology
• are very comfortable to wear, certified by the Hohenstein Research Institute with a grade of 1.7 (good)
• are highly breathable and comfortable, with a high silver content on the skin-facing side and a high proportion of natural (viscose) fibres
• are certified skin-friendly

The silver textiles are suitable for babies, children, adolescents, and adults as part of their therapy and skin care routines.

Information on wearing time and care can be found in our INFORMATION CENTRE: https://www.binamed.de/infothek/

Our experience to date has shown that, particularly for adolescents and adults, complementary care during the day with evening primrose oil or black cumin oil, as well as moisturising lotions, may support the use of BINAMED® silver textiles in the evening and at night.