Complementary alternative medicine (CAM) and atopic eczema

Abstract

Abstract. There is a substantial and growing interest in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in the general population. This paper aims to answer in how far patients with atopic eczema use CAM and which techniques. Furthermore the evidence basis on the efficacy of CAM in the use for atopic eczema should be reviewed. For that purpose randomized controlled trials (RCT) were searched systematically. In Germany about 46% of the general population and up to 51% of inpatients with eczema use CAM. Acupuncture, homeopathy, diets and supplements comprise the most popular techniques. Better educated, middle-aged women use CAM more frequently. In general the evidence basis concerning studies on the efficacy (and safety) of CAM for atopic eczema with appropriate size and quality is limited. Most studies were found on essential fatty acids and Chinese herbs, whereby the results remain conflicting. There was not enough evidence to assess the efficacy of acupuncture, homeopathy and salt baths. A single study on bioresonance did not show superiority compared to a sham procedure. Single studies indicated beneficial effects for topical hypericum, autologous blood injection, massage therapy, Vitamin E and D, and topical Viatmin B12. These results must be confirmed by future studies. CAM are frequently used in atopic eczema, the evidence basis for that, however, is limited.

Risk factors of admission in school children with severe atopic dermatitis

“…Some patients used supplement alternative therapy to avoid using corticosteroids; however, the evidence basis for this treatment is limited. We previously reported that children's experiences with CAMs for AD treatment were associated with more severe AD, higher IgE sensitization, lower quality of life of the caregiver, and higher steroid phobia tendency of the caregiver than those that did not use CAMs 37,38 . Providing appropriate information about corticosteroid therapy for AD may remove patients' anxiety, fear, and misunderstanding of steroids and may change their prognosis.…”

Moisturizers Free of Paraben, Mineral Oil, Alcohol and Ingredients from Animal Origin (Pama) - A New Way Forward

“…In another randomized, doubleblinded, placebo-controlled trial with 45 eczema patients, SCORAD assessment showed improvement in the patients who ingested vitamin E supplements [22]. In a recent Italian study, 46% of patients in the vitamin E group showed improvement compared to only 2% of patients in the placebo group [27]. A meta-analysis concluded that vitamin E improved the SCORAD Indexin eczema patients [28].…”

The Investigation of The Network Pharmacology and Mechanism of Action of Centella Asiatica Extract on The Atopic Dermatitis Model

“…As a result, there is increasing interest in the use of complementary and integrative medicine treatments, especially natural bioactive substances made from plant extracts, in AD patients. 10,11 Centella asiatica, widely known as gotu kola, is a traditional medicinal herb that has been used to have pharmacological benefits for many diseases such as varicose ulcers, diarrhoea, fever, and eczema. The most significant bioactive triterpenes, asiaticoside, madecassoside.…”