Atopic Dermatitis Treatment in Vienna
Atopic dermatitis is an immune system disorder and a barrier disorder. Affected patients have a predisposition that causes their skin to overreact to certain substances in the environment.
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What is atopic dermatitis?
Atopic dermatitis is an immune system disorder and a barrier disorder. Affected patients have a predisposition that causes their skin to overreact to certain substances in their environment. Also known as atopic eczema or neurodermatitis, it usually comes in flare-ups that follow exposure to triggers. Itchy, reddened and inflamed areas are the main accompanying symptoms. Atopic dermatitis can affect everyone, from toddlers to elderly people. Patients often also suffer from other atopic conditions such as hay fever and asthma.
Patients usually have a genetic, inherited predisposition to the condition. Additional factors are the immune system and a dysfunctional skin barrier. For example, we often observe an aggravation of the symptoms in winter when the skin is not properly cared for and becomes drier. If a person has a general susceptibility to the condition, many factors can trigger the next flare-up. These triggers can be food as well as clothing, sweat or skincare products. Particular attention should be paid to stress, both psychological and general.
Everyone reacts in a different way to stimuli from the environment. It is of great importance to observe, record and analyze any potential triggers linked to each new flare-up. There is still no medical cure for atopic dermatitis, but well-coordinated treatment can bring significant relief.
We would be happy to advise you on the treatments available. Please make an appointment:
Is atopic dermatitis hereditary?
Many patients have a genetic predisposition and inherit the risk of developing the condition from their parents. This family tendency towards eczema often shows up in infancy as cradle cap. Recurring eczema flare-ups are also typical, especially in the bends of the elbows and the backs of the knees.
Around 5 to 15% of the population have atopic dermatitis, which makes it the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease.
Can I protect my child from atopic dermatitis?
As with other allergic diseases such as respiratory allergies, there is growing evidence that spending early childhood in an environment that is not overly hygienic has a protective effect (the hygiene hypothesis). Contact with dogs protects against atopic dermatitis, while contact with cats is a risk factor, just as it is for respiratory allergies. Mothers are advised to breastfeed exclusively for at least 4 months after birth. After that, other foods can and should be introduced, including allergenic foods such as hen's egg. Eating fish in the first year of life seems to have a protective effect, as does the mother eating fish during pregnancy. The reason is that between the 5th and 12th month of life the chance of developing immune tolerance to these foods is particularly high. Being overweight in childhood makes atopic dermatitis more likely.
Does atopic dermatitis depend on age?
Among adults, two to four in 100 people have atopic dermatitis. Among children, the figure is 15 to 20%. In most cases it starts very early, within the first six months of life. The good news is that around 50 to 70% of affected children no longer have symptoms from about the age of 15, or only have a much milder form. In older patients the condition changes again, and in elderly people the whole body can be affected.
Our practice also specializes in treating children.
How can you recognize atopic dermatitis?
As with almost every disease, early detection is a key factor for successful relief. With atopic dermatitis, we know that there is no real cure. Typical symptoms are reddened areas of the skin, mostly on the face, on the scalp, in the bends of the arms and legs and behind the ears.
Severe itching leads to scratching, and the fingernails then damage the protective skin barrier. Bacteria can then penetrate more easily, causing inflammation of the skin.
Atopic dermatitis usually has two phases:
- Acute phase: during a flare-up it is advisable to consult a dermatologist who can recommend the right medication to bring the flare-up under control.
- Non-acute phase: here it is important to avoid the factors that can trigger a new flare-up: clothing, pets, mites, certain foods, skincare products and of course psychological and general stress.
Which treatments are available for atopic dermatitis?
Treatment is offered in stages. Permanent skincare is important to prevent deterioration and to restore and protect the skin barrier. There are now several cortisone-free treatment options. For severe cases, antibody (biologic) therapy has also been available for some years. It is important to receive comprehensive, holistic treatment in order to get the condition under control.
Atopic dermatitis and allergies or intolerances
If you have atopic dermatitis, certain foods can affect your skin. A skin prick test or blood test can identify a wide range of allergies, so you can adjust your diet accordingly.
Atopic dermatitis sufferers are also more likely to suffer from hay fever and allergic asthma. It is important to identify the allergen in order to avoid the trigger, or to start immunotherapy.
In recent years, advanced antibody treatments (biologic therapies) have become available for moderate to severe cases. These therapies can help most patients achieve excellent results. Our dermatologists have extensive experience with biologics and are happy to provide you with personalised advice.
There is an equivalent to almost every type of food that may be better tolerated and will taste just as good.
How are the microbiome and atopic dermatitis related?
Research has shown that skin colonization patterns are disrupted in atopic dermatitis patients. The number of "good" inhabitants (bacteria) has decreased, while the "bad" organisms multiply and cause inflammation.
This modified microbiome pattern is not limited to the affected areas. Even where the skin appears healthy, bacterial colonization deviates from the natural pattern. Inflammation in just one area leads to a marked change of the entire skin microbiome.
In general, any disruption to the microbiome of the skin also has a negative impact on the skin barrier. The role of the skin barrier is to protect the body in order to prevent bacteria, viruses and other harmful substances from entering. If this “wall” is weakened, the risk of developing atopic dermatitis or other conditions increases.
We offer microbiome diagnostics as well as allergy tests at our practice. Based on the results, we can take targeted steps to support the immune system via the gut.
What can I do at home to relieve atopic dermatitis?
Keep the room temperature at around 20 °C. Humidity should be above 50%, ideally above 60%. A humidifier helps during the heating season, though simply hanging wet towels in the room also works.
To avoid irritating your damaged skin, wear gloves when washing dishes or cleaning. When choosing clothes, avoid animal fibers such as fur or wool and go for cotton instead.
Pay attention to which foods your skin reacts to. Citrus fruits, hot spices and very acidic foods are best avoided, and possibly also tomatoes, peppers, chocolate, nuts and white wine.
House dust mite allergies are common in people with atopic dermatitis, so keep dust to a minimum by vacuuming often. If a dust mite allergy has been confirmed, remove carpets, curtains and upholstered furniture from the bedroom. Ideally, use a foam mattress and duvets with synthetic or cotton filling (no down).
It is also important that you or your child apply moisturizer thoroughly before going to bed, as this helps to calm the itch. Long-sleeved cotton pajamas and thin cotton gloves are a good idea for children. Scratching should be avoided in any case.
When planning vacations for yourself or your child, destinations by the sea or in the high mountains are a good choice. Make sure you get enough sleep and avoid excessive stress.
Please make an appointment:
FAQ – Atopic Dermatitis
Here you will find answers to the most important questions about atopic dermatitis.
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What is atopic dermatitis?
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that flares up periodically and causes intense itching, dry skin and eczema patches. It is one of the most common skin conditions in Europe and affects both children and adults.
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What causes atopic dermatitis?
Atopic dermatitis is caused by a genetic skin barrier defect combined with an overactive immune response. Common triggers include allergens, stress, dry air, sweating, infections or irritating substances.
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What are the typical symptoms?
Typical symptoms include intense itching, dry skin, redness, eczema flares, bumps, crusting, oozing areas and in chronic cases a thickened, sensitive skin (lichenification).
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How is atopic dermatitis diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on medical history, clinical examination, exclusion of other conditions, and if needed, allergy testing or barrier function assessment to identify triggers.
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How is atopic dermatitis treated?
Treatment includes:
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Basic therapy (daily lipid-rich moisturizers)
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Anti-inflammatory creams (steroids, calcineurin inhibitors)
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Antihistamines for severe itching
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Light therapy
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Biologics or JAK inhibitors for moderate to severe disease
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Is atopic dermatitis curable?
It cannot be cured, but modern treatments often allow almost symptom-free skin and a significant reduction in flare-ups.
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What can I do to prevent flare-ups?
Helpful measures include consistent skincare, avoiding personal triggers, lukewarm showers, suitable clothing, stress management and regular dermatology follow-ups.
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When should I see a dermatologist?
You should see a dermatologist if you experience persistent flares, oozing areas, significant sleep disturbance, widespread eczema or insufficient improvement with creams.
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Which modern treatments exist?
For more severe cases, targeted biologics and JAK inhibitors are available. They precisely block inflammatory pathways and often work rapidly.
Our atopic dermatitis specialists
All of our dermatologists treat atopic dermatitis and are familiar with the latest therapies. Dr. Dariana Borlea and Dr. Alma Sabic have a particular focus on atopic dermatitis and take a holistic approach, looking at the whole person when planning treatment.
