Managing adolescent angst from skin stigma

Teenagers with neurodermatitis often restrict their activities as they feel too self-conscious about their condition, which can take a psychological toll on them. Photo: dpa

From the teen years onwards, severe neurodermatitis can cause redness or cracked skin to appear on the wrists, neck and eyelids.

Being so visible, the symptoms of this chronic inflammatory skin disease of unknown cause, can hit the psyche of young people in particular hard.

As a result, the psychological toll of neurodermatitis is something that parents should take seriously, a German association of skin and allergy awareness (DHA) has warned.

Adolescent patients often cannot wear what they want, as neurodermatitis thrives under tight-fitting clothing and certain materials.

Many of them feel uncomfortable in warmer weather or when going swimming.

And after a night spent attending to itchy skin, many are too tired to study or go out.

All of this means that neurodermatitis is often accompanied by anxiety and depressive moods.

Skin doctors therefore advise affected families to seek professional psychological support, if needed.

In addition to ointments and creams, a doctor can also prescribe treatment with tablets (systemic treatment) for severe cases.

However, not all of them are suitable for children and adolescents.

Biologics, a medicine produced from living organisms, may be an option for young people aged 12 and over.

These are injected under the skin with an injection pen and can be self-administered once the proper technique is taught by a healthcare professional. – dpa