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

Integrative Skin Care: Dermatology and Traditional and Complementary Medicine

Skin problems and diseases are extremely common globally and, due to their visibility, often result in severe distress and stigma for sufferers. Traditional (i.e., indigenous or local) and complementary health systems are widely used and incorporate many treatment modalities suitable for skin care, and a body of evidence for their efficacy and safety has built up over many decades. These approaches are often used as part of a broader "integrative medicine" (IM) approach that may also include, for example, nutrition and mind-body approaches. This article presents an overview of current knowledge about traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) and IM principles and practices for skin health; reviews published epidemiologic studies, clinical trials, and wider literature; and discusses the challenges of conducting research into T&CM and IM. It also highlights the need for an innovative research agenda-one which is congruent with the principles of IM, as well as taking policy and public health dimensions into consideration.

Dietary modifications in atopic dermatitis: patient-reported outcomes

BACKGROUND

Patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) commonly turn to dietary modifications to manage their skin condition.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate patient-reported outcomes and perceptions regarding the role of diet in AD.

METHODS

One hundred and sixty nine AD patients were surveyed in this cross-sectional study. The 61-question survey asked about dietary modifications, perceptions and outcomes.

RESULTS

Eighty seven percent of participants reported a trial of dietary exclusion. The most common were junk foods (68%), dairy (49.7%) and gluten (49%). The best improvement in skin was reported when removing white flour products (37 of 69, 53.6%), gluten (37 of 72, 51.4%) and nightshades (18 of 35, 51.4%). 79.9% of participants reported adding items to their diet. The most common were vegetables (62.2%), fish oil (59.3%) and fruits (57.8%). The best improvement in skin was noted when adding vegetables (40 of 84, 47.6%), organic foods (17 of 43, 39.5%) and fish oil (28 of 80, 35%). Although 93.5% of patients believed it was important that physicians discuss with them the role of diet in managing skin disease, only 32.5% had consulted their dermatologist.

CONCLUSIONS

Since dietary modifications are extremely common, the role of diet in AD and potential nutritional benefits and risks need to be properly discussed with patients.