In a long tradition, and with great success, CK CARE has searched for nutritional factors that counteract the development of neurodermatitis. An example would include babies and children where microbial signatures from the intestines were examined. Wherever pathological microbial signatures could be identified, an intervention was to be made. An especially composed diet was developed for this purpose. With a customised cocktail of nutrients, which is administered to the identified risk children in the first year of life, the aim is to positively influence the microbial signature and homeostasis of the intestinal flora in order to prevent allergies and neurodermatitis. To identify at-risk children, the prediction models (microbial signature) and specially developed high-tech measuring devices for skin density are applied.

On the skin of neurodermatitis patients, the signature of the microbiome is altered, and the composition of the bacteria is disrupted. Missing or reduced bacteria are identified and then specifically brought back into balance by adding bacterial nutrients.

In people with neurodermatitis, it is not only the composition of the microbes on the skin that is changed, but also the processing of the signals emitted by the microbes. For example, dendritic cells in the skin of neurodermatitis patients seem to be paralysed. Numerous other immune system cells with regulatory functions also react to such signals, sometimes with increased intensity or altered responses. This phenomenon is used on two levels: for the diagnosis and stratification of neurodermatitis sub-groups and as a therapeutic approach. Restoring the function of these unnaturally inactive cells promises the development of a novel immuno-therapeutic agent.