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Published in: American Journal of Clinical Dermatology 6/2016

01-12-2016 | Evidence-Based Review

Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Atopic Dermatitis: An Evidence-Based Review

Authors: Brittany L. Vieira, Neil R. Lim, Mary E. Lohman, Peter A. Lio

Published in: American Journal of Clinical Dermatology | Issue 6/2016

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Abstract

Background

Complementary and alternative interventions are becoming increasingly utilized as adjuncts to conventional treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD). While the number of studies continues to grow, the vastness of the subject coupled with the relatively poor quality and small size of the studies limit their usefulness to clinicians.

Purpose

Our aim was to comprehensively review randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of complementary and alternative therapies for AD.

Methods

Searches were performed on PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, and the Global Resource for EczemA Trial (GREAT) databases, focusing on RCTs of alternative or complementary AD therapies, with a sample size of ≥10, through March 2015 and limited to the English language. A total of 70 manuscripts met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis.

Results

There is at least some level I evidence to support the use of acupuncture and acupressure, stress-reducing techniques such as hypnosis, massage, and biofeedback, balneotherapy, herbal preparations (with many important caveats), certain botanical oils, oral evening primrose oil, vitamin D supplementation, and topical vitamin B12. Many other therapies either have sufficient data to suggest that they are ineffective, or simply do not have enough evidence to formulate a verdict.

Conclusions

Careful review of the literature reveals several promising therapies in this domain; such findings may help direct further research that is necessary to bolster clinical recommendations for alternative or complementary treatments of AD.
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Metadata
Title
Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Atopic Dermatitis: An Evidence-Based Review
Authors
Brittany L. Vieira
Neil R. Lim
Mary E. Lohman
Peter A. Lio
Publication date
01-12-2016
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology / Issue 6/2016
Print ISSN: 1175-0561
Electronic ISSN: 1179-1888
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-016-0209-1

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