Early spring took us all by surprise. One man's joy is another man's sorrow. As soon as it gets warm, the sneezing starts all over the place. For people with atopic dermatitis, the pollen season in spring/early summer is, along with autumn and its sudden change in weather, the most challenging time of year. The reason for this is that one of the most common complications in atopic dermatitis patients is high sensitivity to allergies, which can further worsen the condition. Therefore, KAMI founder Dr. Kerstin Schallaböck would like to explain the connection between allergies and atopic dermatitis today.
"Many studies have shown that people with atopic dermatitis have an increased risk of allergies. This connection between allergies and atopic dermatitis is a medically complex topic that encompasses many facets of immunology and dermatology. Both atopic dermatitis and allergies also have a genetic component.
As you may already know, allergies are the body's immune reactions to normally harmless substances such as pollen, dust mites, or certain foods. These reactions are triggered by an activation of the immune system, particularly by the production of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. This immune response is disrupted in people with atopic dermatitis, leading to an excessive inflammatory reaction in the skin. This inflammatory reaction is mediated by certain immune cells, particularly T helper cells and mast cells. ( See also our blog article .))
The impaired skin barrier in atopic dermatitis patients makes it easier for allergens to penetrate the skin. This additional factor can also lead to an enhanced immune response.
In many children, atopic dermatitis develops very early, and later, allergic diseases such as asthma or rhinitis often develop. This sequence is called the "atopic march" and suggests that atopic dermatitis and allergies may share common underlying mechanisms.
Tips for preventing atopic dermatitis flare-ups:
Everyone has specific trigger allergens : It's important to identify these. You can have an allergy test for this. However, it's more reliable to keep a detailed "skin diary" in which you record observations such as weather, stress, and diet. Afterward, the patient should, of course, try to avoid contact with these allergens as much as possible. For example, special mattress covers can be used to reduce dust mite allergens, or the diet can be adjusted to avoid previously identified food allergens.
Do everything for a healthy skin barrier : An intact skin barrier is crucial for controlling atopic dermatitis. Use only soap-free, mild cleansers like the moisturizing KAMI Cleansing Fluid and oils or creams that build up the skin barrier and subsequently prevent moisture loss. Avoid hot baths or showers, as these can dry out the skin.
Be careful with clothing and bedding : High-quality, loose-fitting, breathable clothing made from natural materials like cotton or silk can minimize skin irritation. Also pay attention to how the products were dyed: Cheap products from the Far East, especially dark and black colors, may be made with toxic dyes. Always wash clothes before wearing them for the first time and always use hypoallergenic, fragrance-free detergent! Regular washing removes environmental allergens from clothing; do not use fabric softeners or laundry perfumes. Hypoallergenic bedding is also available.
“Chill out”:Stress can trigger or worsen atopic dermatitis flare-ups. Even with children, simple meditation and breathing techniques can help reduce stress.
Find a doctor who listens to you and whom you trust : Regular monitoring and adjusting your treatment strategy is important to prevent flare-ups of atopic dermatitis. It's often reported that helpful remedies lose their effectiveness after a while. Then you need to find a new remedy. Different remedies can help everyone, and each treatment must be tailored to the individual.
I hope these tips have made you a little wiser and helped you with your suffering.
Stress ist einer der häufigsten Auslöser für Neurodermitis-Schübe – bei Kindern wie bei Erwachsenen. Dr. med. Kerstin Schallaböck, Ärztin und vierfache Mama, erklärt, wie chronisch erhöhtes Cortisol die Hautbarriere schwächt, warum Mütter besonders gefährdet sind – und welche einfachen Rituale den Unterschied machen können.
Men care for their skin – but often with products not designed for them. Because men's skin is different from women's: it's thicker, produces more sebum, is regularly exposed to razors, and reacts to exercise, cold, and stress with irritations that many simply put up with.
Dr. Kerstin Schallaböck, general practitioner, skin expert, and founder of KAMI skincare, explains in our interview what men's skin truly needs, why dry skin is more than a minor issue, and the role of conditions like neurodermatitis in men.
Why men's skin needs its own care and what distinguishes it from women's skin
Kerstin, many men think: skin is skin. So why a separate skincare routine for men's skin?
Dr. Kerstin Schallaböck: Skin is definitely not just skin. Men's skin is, on average, about 25% thicker than women's skin, produces significantly more sebum, and has a higher collagen density. This initially sounds like an advantage – but the flip side is: men's skin is exposed to greater stress daily. Shaving is the most obvious example: every shave is a kind of mini-trauma for the skin barrier. Even with a good razor, microscopic injuries occur, through which irritants can more easily penetrate.
In addition: men sweat more during physical exertion, are often outdoors longer – sun, cold, wind – and frequently use products for care that cleanse too aggressively or do not replenish enough lipids. The result: irritated, dry skin, feelings of tightness, redness. This is often ignored or dismissed as normal. Yet, it's a clear signal that the skin needs support.
Shaving, Redness, Problem Skin: When the Skin Screams After Shaving
What exactly happens to the skin during shaving and how can problem skin be soothed after shaving?
Dr. Kerstin Schallaböck: The blade not only removes hair, it also scrapes off the uppermost protective layer of the skin. This temporarily weakens the skin barrier and makes it susceptible to redness, burning, and ingrown hairs. For men with already sensitive skin or problem skin prone to irritation, this can quickly become a vicious cycle.
The KAMI SOS Skincare Oil is my clear favorite here as an after-shave care: It absorbs quickly, leaves no greasy feeling, immediately soothes redness, and sustainably strengthens the skin barrier. The plant oils contained, such as grapeseed oil or plum kernel oil, have anti-inflammatory and regenerating effects without clogging pores. For particularly dry or rough skin areas, I also recommend the KAMI SOS Balm.
Dry Skin After Exercise or Showering – and What Conventional Shower Gels Have to Do With It
Many men shower multiple times daily due to sports. What does this do to the skin?
Dr. Kerstin Schallaböck: Frequent showering in itself is not a problem – if done correctly. The main issue is aggressive surfactants in conventional shower gels and soaps that imbalance the skin's pH. The skin's natural pH is around 5.5, meaning it's slightly acidic. Many cleansing products are significantly more alkaline and thus destroy the so-called acid mantle, which protects the skin from external irritants.
Many know the result: skin that feels tight, itchy, or dry and rough after showering. Especially for men who exercise daily and shower multiple times, this effect accumulates. That's why we developed the KAMI Cleansing Fluid: an oil-shower that is pH-skin-neutral and simultaneously replenishes lipids during washing. It forms a gentle cleansing emulsion with water – the skin is cleansed but not dried out. For those who don't have time to apply elaborate creams after showering, the care happens almost incidentally here.
The cleansing fluid is also suitable as an alternative to hand soap. It cares for dry, reddened hands with calluses or inflammation.
Itchy Scalp: The Men's Problem Hardly Anyone Talks About
Itchy or flaky scalp – one of the KAMI products is also very well suited for this. How common is this problem among men?
Dr. Kerstin Schallaböck: Very common and very underestimated. Men often wear hats or helmets, sweat under head coverings, and frequently use shampoos that cleanse too strongly. Dry, itchy, or flaky scalp is the logical consequence, because the scalp is no different from the rest of the body – it needs moisture and care just as much.
The KAMI 2-Phase Care Spray has proven particularly effective here: It combines a moisturizing organic aloe vera phase with a nourishing oil phase – without emulsifiers, but with the genuine power of both phases. Application is incredibly simple: shake, apply directly to the scalp, leave on for at least 10–15 minutes, then wash as usual. Many men report significant improvement after just a few applications – even those who had tried all medical shampoos before.
Neurodermatitis in Men: When Dry Skin Is More Than a Comfort Problem
KAMI skincare was originally developed for your son with neurodermatitis. How relevant is the condition in men?
Dr. Kerstin Schallaböck: Neurodermatitis, medically atopic dermatitis, affects one in eight children and one in twenty adults. In men, the typical daily routine such as shaving, sports, and fluctuating temperatures further burdens them, regularly triggering existing neurodermatitis symptoms. Many sufferers don't even realize that their chronically dry, itchy, or reddened skin is neurodermatitis, because they dismiss the symptoms as a normal "men's skin problem."
What happens in the skin with neurodermatitis – and why isn't cortisone alone enough?
What is behind the disease and why is conventional therapy often not sufficient?
Dr. Kerstin Schallaböck: The core problem with neurodermatitis is a disturbed skin barrier. The skin cannot properly retain moisture and is simultaneously much more permeable to irritants, allergens, and bacteria. This triggers inflammatory reactions – and the typical cycle of itching, scratching, soreness, and renewed inflammation begins.
Cortisone fights inflammation – that is important and right in acute phases. But it does not repair the skin barrier itself. That is precisely my approach with KAMI: products that strengthen the skin barrier from the ground up, supply the skin with the right fatty acids and active ingredients, and thus reduce the frequency of flare-ups in the long term. As a supplement to medical therapy.
An important factor often overlooked in men: stress is one of the strongest triggers for neurodermatitis flare-ups. The stress hormone cortisol exacerbates inflammatory processes and, on top of that, weakens the skin barrier. Therefore, the essential oils in our products – lavender oil and blue tansy – are no coincidence: they act on the nervous system through the sense of smell, calm it, and thus also interrupt this stress cycle.
When should men with suspected neurodermatitis see a doctor?
When is dry, itchy skin more than just everyday discomfort – and when does it require medical clarification?
Dr. Kerstin Schallaböck: If the skin is chronically dry and itchy, symptoms accumulate in specific body regions such as elbows, backs of knees, neck, or face, and do not respond to conventional care products – then it should be investigated. And if signs of infection appear: yellowish crusts, severe redness with warmth, or even fever, then please see a doctor immediately. These are signs of a bacterial superinfection that requires medical treatment.
KAMI skincare for men: Which product helps with which skin problem?
Please give us a brief overview: What do you recommend for men with which skin problem?
Dr. Kerstin Schallaböck: Gladly:
• After shaving, for redness and irritation: KAMI SOS Skincare Oil. Absorbs quickly, soothes immediately, no greasy feeling.
• For very dry skin, chapped hands or problem areas such as elbows and knees: KAMI SOS Balm. Rich, nourishing, with shea butter.
• For itchy, flaky, or irritated scalp: KAMI 2-Phase Care Spray. Shake, spray, let sit, wash.
• As daily cleansing for dry or sensitive skin, also with neurodermatitis: KAMI Cleansing Fluid. pH-neutral, lipid-replenishing, no aggressive surfactants.
• For neurodermatitis flare-ups: Combination of SOS Oil (immediately after showering on still damp skin or in bathwater) and SOS Balm for particularly dry areas. As a supplement to medical therapy.
Kerstin, thank you for the interview!
Dr. Kerstin Schallaböck: You're welcome! I believe many men suffer more silently than necessary – be it with dry skin after exercise, irritations after shaving, or chronic skin problems like neurodermatitis. Yet, there are natural, effective solutions that are chemical-free. Feel good in your skin!
A personal experience report from Mom Vivienne
Our journey with neurodermatitis began very early – Liam was just four months old. His entire body, including his face, was covered in itchy and painful eczema. From that moment on, our family's daily life was marked by the search for help and relief.
The years-long struggle: When neurodermatitis dictates family life
For years, we fought daily, tried countless things, and visited the doctor regularly. Sometimes even weekly. We also had to go to the hospital multiple times.
As a mother, it's the worst thing imaginable to see your own child suffer and not be able to help. This helplessness is a constant companion. It was especially hard for us not to lose hope.
Again and again, we encountered new dead ends. At the same time, I had to learn to care for the open, painful wounds of my crying baby – a situation that deeply affects every mom.
Antibody therapy and injections: The search for a gentler solution
At the hospital, we started antibody therapy with Dupilumab, the "neurodermatitis injections." However, this came with side effects. I also didn't want to accept the idea of having to give my little baby regular injections.
The breakthrough: Our experience with KAMI skincare without cortisone
For a long time, our search for a gentle, effective, and above all cortisone-free care was unsuccessful. Until we finally discovered KAMI skincare. After just a few days, we noticed a significant improvement in his skin. And after three weeks, our pediatrician, during our regular visit, surprisingly asked us what had happened to Liam's skin: The eczema had disappeared!
Today, our "magical trio" consisting of KAMI SOS Skin Care Balm, SOS Skin Care Oil, and the Washing Fluid has become an integral part of our daily routine – and indispensable in our everyday life. We use it regularly together with a moisturizing basic care product.
For us, there isn't one favorite product, but this combination. Together, they achieve an effect that I could hardly have imagined before.
Our daily routine: How we keep Liam's skin healthy
Our daily routine with KAMI looks like this:
· The SOS Skin Care Oil accompanies us throughout the day. I use it several times a day – and always have it ready on the go for small "emergencies."
· Mornings and evenings, we use the KAMI Balm for intensive care.
· When bathing, the Washing Fluid is used either as a bath additive or as a gentle washing lotion.
A secret tip for moms: Care for the C-section scar
What I find particularly wonderful: The products don't just help Liam. I also use them daily for my C-section scar, which I care for with the balm and the nourishing oil.
Conclusion: A new, more carefree life without neurodermatitis eczema
When I look back on our journey today, I can say: KAMI was a real game-changer for us. After all the years of worry and countless attempts, I never thought we would make such progress without cortisone and without scars.
KAMI is an absolute must-have for me for anyone struggling with skin problems or scars. I am incredibly grateful that we found these products. You have given my darling a new, cortisone-free life – a life that is much more carefree. Thank you, KAMI!
Of course, every skin is different. For us, KAMI skincare has worked almost miracles. I can hardly believe it. Maybe this experience report will help other families too!
Vivienne, mom of Liam (now 3 years old)
