This video explains atopic dermatitis, describes classical and modern Chinese medicine treatments for it, and highlights findings from modern Chinese medicine clinical studies. The information in this video is adapted from the book Evidence-based Clinical Chinese Medicine Volume 16: Atopic dermatitis, written by researchers from the China–Australia International Research Centre for Chinese Medicine.
Atopic dermatitis, more commonly called atopic eczema, is a common skin rash that appears spontaneously during childhood and often continues into adulthood. Skin may be dry, weeping or crusted, and is usually itchy. Atopic eczema often comes and goes.
When skin has no lesions or is dry, people with atopic eczema are given information about the condition, and how to care for their skin and avoid known triggers. Mild atopic eczema is managed with topical treatments, like steroid creams or ointments. Moderate atopic eczema is managed with stronger topical treatments, and severe rashes are managed with treatments targeting the immune system. People often seek other treatments, including Chinese medicine, to manage and heal atopic eczema. The main Chinese medicine treatments for atopic eczema are Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture.
While atopic eczema is a relatively recent medical diagnosis, people have experienced skin rashes like it for a long time. Researchers at the China–Australia International Research Centre for Chinese Medicine searched a database of more than 1,000 classical Chinese medicine books for information about how atopic eczema was treated in the past. They found more than 500 references to atopic eczema-like skin rashes. All but three references described treating these rashes with Chinese herbal medicine formulas, mostly topically. Several formulas from classical Chinese medicine literature are still recommended in modern textbooks and guidelines.
Researchers also investigated evidence from clinical studies, particularly randomised controlled trials. Some formulas from classical literature and modern textbooks were also tested in these trials. However, unlike the classical Chinese medicine literature, randomised controlled trials focused more on oral Chinese herbal medicine formulas than topical ones.
Findings from these trials suggest that oral Chinese herbal medicine was more effective than conventional medicine in improving skin rash and reducing recurrence within six months. They also suggest that oral Chinese herbal medicine combined with conventional medicine improved skin rash, reduced itch severity and sleep disruption, and reduced recurrence within six months more than conventional medicine alone. However, some trials reported that people who took Chinese herbal medicine had more stomach upsets than people who took conventional medicine.
In trials, topical Chinese herbal medicine also seemed to improve skin rash and reduce recurrence more effectively when combined with conventional medicine than when used alone.
Acupuncture is recommended as a treatment for atopic eczema in modern Chinese medicine textbooks and guidelines, but was mentioned in only one description in classical literature and tested in just one of the included trials. Therefore, Chinese herbal medicine seems to be the main Chinese medicine treatment for atopic eczema.
You can find out more about Chinese medicine for atopic eczema in the book Evidence-based Clinical Chinese Medicine Volume 16: Atopic Dermatitis – see the link in the notes.
Visit the China–Australia International Research Centre for Chinese Medicine website for updates about evidence-based clinical Chinese medicine for other common health problems.
This video is not intended as a guide for self-medication or medical advice – patients should seek professional advice from qualified Chinese medicine practitioners.
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