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Alternative medicine
By Mayo Clinic staffMany alternative therapies — including chamomile, evening primrose oil, witch hazel extract and borage seed oil — have been touted as possible ways to treat atopic dermatitis (eczema). However, there's no conclusive evidence that any of these alternative therapies are effective.
If you're considering dietary supplements or other alternative therapy to treat atopic dermatitis, consult your doctor. He or she can help you weigh the pros and cons of specific alternative therapies.
- Weston WL, et al. Epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis of atopic dermatitis (eczema). http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 20, 2009.
- Weston WL, et al. Treatment of atopic dermatitis (eczema). http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 20, 2009.
- Bieber T. Mechanisms of disease: Atopic dermatitis. New England Journal of Medicine. 2008;358:1483.
- Eczema/atopic dermatitis. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.aad.org/public/Publications/pamphlets/EczemaAtopicDermatitis.htm. Accessed May 20, 2009.
- What is atopic dermatitis? National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/hi/topics/dermatitis/ffdermatitis.htm. Accessed May 20, 2009.
- FDA public health advisory Elidel (pimecrolimus) cream and Protopic (tacrolimus) ointment. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/advisory/elidel_protopic.htm. Accessed May 20, 2009.
- Habif TP. Atopic dermatitis. In: Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby; 2004. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/138783445-3/843851716/1195/22.html. Accessed May 21, 2009.
- Huang JT, et al. Treatment of Staphylococcus aureus colonization in atopic dermatitis decreases disease severity. Pediatrics. 2009;123:e808.
- Atopic dermatitis: Possible complications. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.skincarephysicians.com/eczemanet/complications.html. Accessed June 3, 2009
- German chamomile. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed June 3, 2009.
- Evening primrose oil. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed June 3, 2009.
- Witch hazel. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed June 3, 2009.
- Borage. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed June 3, 2009.
