Clinical Picture

Symptoms and support with BINAMED Clinical picture of atopic dermatitis

Neurodermatitis, atopic eczema, endogenous eczema and atopic dermatitis – these are all terms for the same condition: a chronic inflammatory skin disease accompanied by severe itching. The condition can make everyday life particularly difficult for young patients. Symptoms occur in flare-ups, with periods in between that may be symptom-free.

Neurodermatitis in babies and infants usually first appears after the third month of life. At this age, symptoms mainly occur on the face, particularly on the cheeks and scalp. A typical clinical picture develops with poorly defined areas of reddened skin that are very itchy. As a result, these areas often show scratch marks.

Causes

The causes are still not fully understood. In four out of five cases, atopic dermatitis is associated with a hereditary predisposition to allergies. Early contact with allergenic substances can also play a role. Examples include contact with animal hair, house dust mites or certain foods such as eggs and milk protein. Stress and cigarette smoke may also be triggering factors.

Symptoms

Neurodermatitis is generally characterised by very dry skin. One reason for this is that the sebaceous glands in the affected areas function only to a limited extent. In healthy skin, the sebaceous glands continuously release small amounts of sebum, which keeps the skin supple. Sebum also contains substances that inhibit the growth of microorganisms. In infants with neurodermatitis, these protective properties of the sebum are absent or reduced in the affected areas of skin. This contributes to the very dry skin.

Inflammatory changes in the skin caused by certain bacteria can trigger itching in people with neurodermatitis. The skin's natural defence and protective functions are impaired, allowing bacteria and fungi to spread. Such infections may, for example, appear as a yellowish discolouration of the affected area of skin.

Even in infancy, neurodermatitis can affect not only the face and scalp but also the entire body.

If the condition spreads, the extensor and flexor surfaces of the arms and legs are often affected, particularly the bends of the elbows and knees. The torso may also be affected. However, the nappy area usually remains unaffected. This is because moisture accumulates beneath the nappy due to reduced air circulation, helping to keep the skin moist. Because of the higher moisture content of the skin in the nappy area, it is less likely to be affected by the condition.
During adolescence, eczema of the neck is also common, sometimes with weeping areas.
Hand and foot eczema is also very common in people with neurodermatitis, particularly during childhood and adolescence.

Every case of neurodermatitis develops differently and can take many different forms. The various symptoms are mainly caused by inflammatory changes in the skin. For example, papules, blisters and abrasions may also develop. The affected areas of skin can cause severe itching, which can be particularly distressing for babies and young children.
This is where BINAMED® silver textiles come into use.

Treatment

In addition to treatment with antibiotics, psychotherapy and light therapy, the use of silver textiles is becoming increasingly important.

During a development period of more than two years, BINAMED intensively studied the conditions associated with neurodermatitis, skin eczema, fungal skin infections and hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).

Supported by recognised medical specialists and in cooperation with the PsoriSol specialist clinic in Hersbruck – specialising in dermatology and allergology – special textiles were developed that combine extensive textile expertise with the medical needs of people affected by these skin conditions.

Through contact with the skin, the silver incorporated into the clothing disrupts the supply and reproduction of the bacteria in the textile that are responsible for itching associated with neurodermatitis. The frequently occurring inflammation is reduced and the itching is significantly relieved. The irritated skin can heal.
You can find descriptions of how medical silver textiles work in our INFORMATION section.

Many patients are looking for alternatives to cortisone treatments. In cooperation with various specialist clinics and self-help groups, as well as through neurodermatitis training courses with qualified neurodermatitis trainers, BINAMED provides extensive information about treatment options using its special textiles.

A wide range of silver textiles has been developed that

are largely completely seamless
provide an optimised fit for all sizes thanks to sophisticated knitting technology
offer a high level of wearing comfort, certified by the Hohenstein Research Institute with a rating of 1.7 (good)
have a high silver content on the side facing the skin and a high proportion of natural fibres (viscose), making them highly breathable and comfortable to wear
have certified skin compatibility.

The silver clothing is suitable for babies, children, adolescents and adults, both as part of therapy and for skin care measures.

Tips on how long to wear the textiles and how to care for them can be found in our INFORMATION section.

Experience to date has shown that, particularly for adolescents and adults, complementary daytime treatments with evening primrose oil, black cumin oil and moisturising ointments can usefully complement wearing BINAMED® silver textiles in the evening and at night.