Efficacy and Safety of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis (AD)

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RATIONALE: As many as 30% of patients with eczema have been prescribed Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), yet questions remain regarding its safety and efficacy. We report a case series of 14 patients [median age 5.4 yrs (IQR 0.5-52)] with persistent AD who were treated with TCM.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients with AD who received TCM at Ming Qi Natural Health Center in Manhattan between August 2006 and May 2008. TCM consisted of Erka Shizheng Herbal Tea, bath additive, creams, and acupuncture. The SCORAD index for AD severity was calculated, with scores >40-103 considered severe, 15-40 moderate, and <15 mild. The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) was calculated on a scale of 0-30, with a score of 30 representing highest impairment to life quality.

RESULTS: Baseline median (IQR) SCORAD and DLQI scores were 89 (42-103) and 17 (10-30), compared to 11 (0-62) and 1 (0-14) after a median of 8 months (3-24) treatment (t-test, P < .0001 and P < 0.0001). Good improvement (60-90% SCORAD reduction) was reached in 13/14 patients after 3.3mo (1.6-8.6). Greater than 50% improvement in DLQI scores was achieved in 13/14 patients in 2.4mo (0.7-5.9). Peripheral eosinophilia decreased from 1000 ± 700 mc/L to 500 ± 200 (P = 0.03) with no change in total blood counts. No abnormality of liver and kidney function was observed. Patients reported a reduction in use of steroids, antibiotics and antihistamines within 3 months of TCM treatment.

CONCLUSIONS: TCM is both a safe and effective treatment for patients with persistent AD, especially those with severe disease and significant life quality impairment.