These factors may trigger atopic dermatitis

In the case of atopic dermatitis, the protective function of the skin is disturbed. Healthy skin has a barrier function that ensures that the skin stores water. In the case of atopic dermatitis, this barrier function is no longer effective enough. As a result, the skin dries out and reacts in a hypersensitive manner to mechanical and chemical stimuli from the environment.

Irritant factors and triggers of flare-up include:

• Climate/Weather (air humidity and temperature)
• Physical stress (e.g. colds, teething, etc.)
• Chemical stimuli (e.g. air pollutants, cleaning agents, and disinfectants, shower gels and detergents, tobacco smoke)
• Physical stimuli (e.g. scratching, rough textiles, very low temperatures, heat, sweating)
• Allergens and irritants (e.g. in food, personal care products, and the environment)
• Skin infections with bacteria or fungi
• Psychological stress (e.g. great pressure at school or work, tension at home, great joy,etc.)

Triggers for a flare-up of atopic dermatitis differ from person to person and may change over the course of a lifetime. In many cases, several factors play a role, which often makes it difficult to determine the trigger(s).