A Canadian study has assessed the effectiveness of combining Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Twenty patients (aged 13-48) who had mild-to-severe atopic dermatitis were given a combined treatment of acupuncture twice a week plus a Chinese herbal formula three times daily for a total of 12 weeks. Assessments were performed before treatment, and at weeks 3, 6, 9 and 12 of treatment. Primary outcomes were defined as the changes in the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and patient assessment of itch measured on a visual analogue scale (VAS). After 12 weeks of treatment, an improvement in EASI was noted in 100% of patients, when compared with baseline. The mean EASI fell from 4.99 to 1.81; the median percentage of decrease was 63.5%. In addition, 78.8% of patients experienced a reduction in DLQI and VAS, compared with baseline. Mean DLQI decreased from 12.5 to 7.6 at the end of treatment, with 39.1% improvement. Mean VAS decreased from 6.8 to 3.7, with 44.7% improvement.

 

The effectiveness of combined Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. J Altern Complement Med. 2008 Oct;14(8):1043-8.