Complementary therapy for atopic eczema and other allergic skin diseases

Artik, Suzan
Ruzicka, Thomas

Department of Dermatology, Heinrich-Heine-University Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany

Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Suzan Artik, MD, Department of Dermatology, Heinrich-Heine-University Duesseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany, or email: [email protected].

Dermatologic Therapy 16(2):p 150-163, 2003.

ABSTRACT

Atopic eczema is one of the most common chronic inflammatory skin diseases, with a prevalence of at least 10% in children and 0.5–1% in adults. The disease shows a drastically increasing tendency. This article provides an overview of the pathophysiology, pathomechanisms, prevention, and treatment of atopic eczema. We present a therapeutic concept that integrates all aspects of the complex pathophysiology that is a prerequisite for individualized and successful treatment. This is based on intervention in the pathophysiology of atopic eczema and elimination of exogenous provocation factors. Particular attention is given to unconventional therapy options such as phytotherapy, which are attracting patients in many countries, and possible effects, side effects, and interactions with other drugs are discussed.