We are always delighted when our Wild Baboon community shares their experiences with our products. For us, aloe vera is an integral part of daily life, and it's wonderful to hear how it has found a place in your lives as well.
In this article, our customer Vanessa talks about her neurodermatitis and her experiences with Wild Baboon's aloe vera products.
My Experiences with Neurodermatitis
For as long as I can remember, I have suffered—sometimes more, sometimes less—from the skin condition neurodermatitis. I am now 30 years old and generally have the condition well under control. However, I still repeatedly struggle with flare-ups that make everyday life difficult. For me, this mainly means applying cream, cream, cream, patience, and a positive mindset. Because I notice that the thoughts accompanying the inflamed and itchy areas worsen the symptoms and create a kind of vicious circle. Nevertheless, there are some bright spots, and with the right care, I manage to prevent severe outbreaks.
Childhood with Neurodermatitis
The first symptoms appeared at 12 months old, and my childhood was mainly characterized by itchy, weeping, and bleeding wounds. I remember having to wear full-body cotton suits at night, my mother cutting my fingernails as short as possible, and me also having to wear cotton gloves to prevent scratching at night. Because scratching is—at least from my perspective—the worst side effect of neurodermatitis. The constant itching makes sensitive areas even more sensitive and they have no opportunity to regenerate. Especially as a child, this meant many compromises and sacrifices in daily life, e.g., giving up beloved sweets.
Symptoms and Side Effects of Neurodermatitis
To this day, neurodermatitis has not been researched in detail. However, many sufferers can attribute their ailments to specific diets, foods, allergic reactions, or even their psychological state. Overall, the disease always manifests according to the same pattern:
- Reddened skin
- Persistent itching
- Cracked skin areas
- Weeping wounds and small fluid-filled blisters
- Swollen skin areas
- Tension in affected areas
- Dry skin, especially in joint areas (e.g., elbow creases, knee hollows, fingers)
What to Consider When Using Aloe Vera for Neurodermatitis
The first thing I said to Nici (the founder of Wild Baboon) when she recommended I use Wild Baboon was, "No thanks, I'm allergic to almost everything anyway, I can't tolerate anything, it'll just go wrong." But just two days later, I couldn't resist the allure of the pretty little Wild Baboon glass bottle on the sink in our ladies' bathroom. After all, I know my skin's reactions all too well and therefore also know what to do in an emergency.
Nici told me what differentiates Wild Baboon from other aloe vera products, how the Aloe Vera Gel for her products is harvested, showed me photos of the plantation, and also explained why she was so confident that I wouldn't have an allergic reaction. The difference: Unlike many other aloe vera products on the market, the pure aloe vera content is higher, the production is gentle, and the gel is organic quality. So, I gave it a try.
Previously Used Products for Neurodermatitis
I can no longer even name all the creams, ointments, tinctures, and treatments I have tried in my life. Countless times I hoped for a miracle, for improvement, and for my neurodermatitis skin to have enough moisture so it wouldn't itch or crack anymore. From preparations with urea, panthenol, to cortisone, I have tried everything, but none of it achieved long-term success for my neurodermatitis.
My Experience with Aloe Vera for Neurodermatitis
I was impressed even when I first applied the Wild Baboon Aloe Vera Gel. Unlike many other creams, it is non-greasy and leaves no sticky film on the skin. Especially in everyday life, this often leaves marks on phones, doorknobs, upholstered furniture, or laptop keyboards. Instead, the gel absorbs super quickly, has a neutral scent, and immediately provides the skin with the moisture it needs.
Thanks to the practical dispenser, I now have the Wild Baboon Aloe Vera Gel on my nightstand and use it every evening before bed. My hands, in particular, are always severely affected in winter and feel tight with every movement. It's all the more practical, then, to be reminded every evening to give my skin a moisture boost.
I now notice that my skin's moisture reserves are replenished, and my hands are no longer plagued by flaky skin. To test further effects of aloe vera on neurodermatitis, I will soon start the Aloe Vera juice regimen and integrate it into my daily life for a few weeks.
My experiences with Wild Baboon for neurodermatitis have been entirely positive so far, and I am excited to see how internal use, in addition to external application, affects my skin.
Do you also suffer from neurodermatitis? Then our blog post "Treating Neurodermatitis WITHOUT Cortisone" might interest you!
Author: Vanessa Häßig
Acknowledgement: Dear Vanessa, thank you for sharing your experience. You are helping our community.
Do you also have an experience report you'd like to share with us? Then send it to nicole@wildbaboon.de - we look forward to hearing from you!
