Up to 10 percent of children in Germany suffer from atopic eczema (neurodermatitis or atopic dermatitis). This makes atopic eczema the most common chronic skin disease affecting children. The good news is that for many of them it disappears all by itself. However, affected parents should not rely on the self-healing process. Because atopic eczema that is left untreated in early childhood continues to worsen in adulthood. Therefor the very distressing symptoms should be alleviated by timely treatment, to allow the small children growing up without too many restrictions.

Even if the causes of atopic eczema are not yet conclusively clarified, it can at least be said with certainty that it is a hereditary skin disease. Children with a parent already suffering from atopic eczema have a higher risk of suffering from it themselves. If both parents are affected, the risk increases. However, it is not only the predisposition that plays a role, but also environmental factors that can have a stressful effect on the child and fortify a flare-up of the disease. These external factors range from sports to allergies and infections. Doctors speak of triggers. By identifying these reinforcing factors, the distress of atopic eczema can be significantly reduced in the course of therapy.

According to the current state of scientific knowledge, atopic eczema is not yet curable. However, in the meantime, medical science has reached the point where the tormenting circumstances, such as permanent itching, can be successfully alleviated and in some cases even a complete freedom from symptoms can be achieved.