Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, itchy skin condition that is very common in children but may occur at any age. It is also known as eczema and it is the most common form of dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis usually occurs in people who have an atopic tendency (predisposition to a heightened immune response). This means they may develop any or all of three closely linked conditions; atopic dermatitis, asthma and hay fever (allergic rhinitis). Often these conditions run within families with a parent, child or sibling also affected. A family history of asthma, eczema or hay fever is particularly useful in diagnosing atopic dermatitis in infants.

There is no known single cause for atopic dermatitis (eczema) and it probably represents more than one condition. There are many theories regarding the underlying mechanisms. Current research is investigating the roles of the immune system, skin structural gene mutations, defects in the skin cells (keratinocytes), the skin surface microbiome (bacteria, viruses and yeasts), and many other factors.

Current theories identify that atopic dermatitis is primarily a disease of the immune system, with cytokines being critical components to the disease. These cytokines, particularly IL-4 and IL-13 (Th2 pathway cytokines) and IL-22 (the Th22 axis cytokine) cause barrier defect and inflammation that result in the clinical features of eczema.

Eczema affects 15-20% of children but it is less common in adults, however sensitive skin persist to adulthood.

Western medicine has affected treatments for eczema which contains mostly of topical or steroid creams and ointments; however, the long term use can cause:

• A stinging or burning feeling when you first apply the treatment. …
• Thinning of the skin has always been considered a common problem. …
• With long-term use of topical steroid the skin may develop permanent stretch marks (striae), bruising, discoloration, or thin spidery blood vessels (telangiectasias).

Multiple studies have shown the effectiveness of Chinese herbal medicine in treating Eczema in both children and adults, for young children, herbal baths are very effective in reducing itchiness, redness and dryness of the lesions. In adults taking herbs both orally and using ointments have shown to be very effective in treating eczema, herbal medicine along with dietary changes can reduce eczema reoccurrence in adults.

One study showed anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the following Chinese herbs to be very effective in treating eczema:

Rehmannia glutinosa, Paeonia lactiflora, Dictamnus dasycarpus, Ledebouriella seseloides, Lophatherum gracile, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Potentilla chinensis, Schizonepeta tenuifolia, Tribulus terrestris, Clematis armandii, Humulus lupulus, Thymus vulgaris, Rosmarinus officinalis.

In a study conducted at the department of dermatology and allergy in Germany in conjunction with Harvard researchers show acupuncture as an effective complementary treatment for itch in atopic dermatitis.

At Acuwellness Center, we offer herbs for ingestion, wash and herbal cream to treat eczema for children and adults. For more questions or to make an appointment please contact our office.

1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874197015109
2. https://dermnetnz.org/topics/atopic-dermatitis/
3. https://patient.info/skin-conditions/atopic-eczema/topical-steroids-for-eczema
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22313287/