What is neurodermatitis?
In medicine, atopic dermatitis (“neuro” stands for nerves and the term “dermatitis” for skin inflammation) is described as an inflammatory, non-contagious skin disease whose most common symptoms are excruciating itching a dry, rough skin prone to inflammation. These symptoms occur in so-called relapses, and there are symptom-free phases between the individual relapses.
Neurodermatitis is one of the most common skin diseases. According to the German Dermatological Society (DDG), 2 million children and 2.5 million adults suffer from it every year.
What are the causes of neurodermatitis?
Why neurodermatitis breaks out has not yet been definitively clarified. However, scientists are in relative agreement that it is a combination of genetic predisposition and various environmental factors. Those affected have found that their symptoms worsen when they eat certain foods or are under a great deal of stress.
What effects can atopic dermatitis have?
Human skin is our largest organ. It is naturally colonized with various bacteria and fungi. In people with atopic dermatitis, this combination of germs is different, which means that the diseased skin can no longer maintain its protection against germs and other environmental influences and thus becomes more susceptible to infections.
People with this skin disease usually try everything to get the disturbing symptoms under control. Neurodermatitis is therefore a very stressful skin disease that is often accompanied by psychological problems. Sometimes those affected shy away from contact with their fellow human beings because the visible symptoms – often on the face and hands – are unpleasant for them. Self-esteem and thus quality of life are sometimes even impaired as a result.
Treatment of neurodermatitis
Doctors often prescribe cortisone ointments against these inflammations of the skin, which are strong anti- inflammatory drugs that provide effective and, above all, rapid relief of the symptoms. However, they can also cause some side effects – some of them are serious. One of the most common is that the skin becomes thinner and thinner, making it more susceptible to injury and infection. In addition, cortisone can also lead to pigmentation disorders in the skin.
For this reason, package inserts advise that cortisone should only ever be used for a short period of time. In addition, many patients find that the disease quickly reappears when they stop using the cortisone ointment.
CBD for neurodermatitis
Scientists have been studying the effects of CBD for some time, as many positive properties are attributed to it. Some of them have already been proven. Cannabinoids can act in our body in connection with the so-called endocannabinoid system, which is a part of the human nervous system – responsible for maintaining balance in the body. It also has an impact on our immune system. CBD can support the endocannabinoid system in its tasks and subsequently help to balance the immune system.
Effects of CBD
By taking CBD oil, it is possible that the overreaction of the immune system is reduced and thus the relapses are not as severe. At the same time, applying CBD creams or ointments can also soothe the skin externally and relieve itching. This could significantly improve the quality of sleep of those affected. Furthermore, redness and irritation can be reduced due to the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD, and it is possible that stress levels can be lowered due to the calming and sleep-inducing properties of CBD. Atopic dermatitis cannot be completely cured, as a predisposition to it persists throughout life. Nevertheless, treatment with CBD oil can lead to a reduction in the symptoms or almost make them disappear. A CBD cream can additionally supply the skin with important nutrients and calm the itching. Therefore, it can be assumed that the symptoms of neurodermatitis can be alleviated by using CBD. The immune system can benefit from ingestion and the defense cells can be strengthened. This in turn helps the body to fight atopic dermatitis on its own.
