Alternative Treatments For Atopic Dermatitis: A Selected Review

R.B. Vender, MD, FRCPC

DermaTrials Research and Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

ABSTRACT

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic itchy, inflammatory skin disease that is extremely difficult to treat. Effective therapeutic agents are limited in number, and may have long-term toxic side effects. Frustrated by these realities, many patients stop seeking help from conventional physicians and turn to alternative medical approaches. These can include so-called natural products, herbal products and over-the-counter (OTC) treatments. Herbs and medications share a common history, as most of our well-known medications were derived from plants. However, herbal remedies are largely unregulated. Many may have scientific merit and clinical benefit, but they are still scientifically invalid and inadequately monitored. Dermatologists need information about the effects of herbal remedies in order to better serve their patients.

Key Words:
herbal remedies, dietary supplements, atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic itchy, inflammatory skin disease that usually develops in early childhood and is commonly seen in individuals with a personal or family history of similar skin disease or asthma. Persistence of AD has been reported in 60% of adults who had the disease as children.¹ It is notorious for its recalcitrant and chronically recurrent nature.¹ Along with the usual therapy of topical steroids, general skin care, and topical antibiotics there are also systemic methods of treating this disorder, which have already been well described.^2,3

Because effective medical treatments for this condition are limited in number, many patients have turned to alternative therapies^1,4, including so-called natural products, herbal products and OTC treatments, many of which remain unproven.

In a questionnaire study of 227 patients with AD, who had used alternative medicine, the majority stated that their main reason for trying such treatments was the lack of a satisfactory effect from the physician provided therapy. They also reported that the main sources of information about alternative therapies were people without skin disease, and the media. After using alternative treatments, the majority of patients reported no improvement or even aggravation of their skin disorder.⁵

Most patients have heard about at least one friend who improved after receiving a natural treatment. While it may have been the treatment itself that helped, there may have been other factors as well, e.g., such treatment providers seem to offer a comfortable atmosphere for their clients and often allow them to express their own views of their problems.³ They may also spend more time with them than physicians are willing or able to do.

A system of medical practice making use of all measures that have proven to be of value in the treatment of disease is referred to as allopathic medicine. Occasionally, some of the recommended modalities are intended not to replace conventional medicine, but to complement it. Complementary or alternative medicine can be classified into herbal therapy (treatments using plant species), and non-herbal therapies, such as homeopathy, acupuncture, aromatherapy and more than 10 other modalities.⁶

Herbs

Herbs and medications share a common history, as most of our well-known medications were derived from plants. Herbal remedies are marketed commonly as pills, capsules, tinctures or dietary supplements and are largely unregulated. According to US federal legislation that was enacted in 1994, herbs and other dietary supplements can be marketed without testing for safety or effectiveness. Broad and vague claims are allowed, and the US FDA does not have to approve packaging or sales information before a product reaches the market. Consumers essentially have no protection against misleading or fraudulent claims made by herbal manufacturers. Most are not subjected to the strict rigorous approval processes that traditional drugs are. Most have not been tested against the gold standard controlled clinical trial, and thus have no verifiable claim with respect to their safety and efficacy. Products may be contaminated or may contain varying amounts of active ingredients. Some have no active ingredients.⁷ Up to 30% of herbal patent remedies imported from China have been laced with potent pharmaceuticals such as steroids and phenacetin, that should only be available by prescription.⁴

Despite the lack of monitoring and quality control, the public tends to perceive herbal remedies as “natural” and therefore harmless. This misconception can be dangerous not only because of potential risks inherent in the therapies, but also because patients may fail to inform their physician that they are using alternative medicines. Many herbal remedies may have scientific merit and clinical benefit. Most may be safe, effective and reliable. However, adequate testing of herbal remedies and randomized controlled trials are necessary. The reclassification of herbal medicines as substances to be regulated by governmental agency is also essential. Herbal therapy is still scientifically invalid and inadequately monitored.^4,7 This unconventional practice may be misleading to patients with chronic skin diseases.⁸

General population surveys in the US report that only about 40% of patients discuss the complimentary medicines they take with their physicians. There are at least 25 different forms of complimentary or alternative treatment modality groups.⁹ Dermatologists should consider discussing these treatments with patients, and must be aware of the recent literature available with respect to alternative therapies.^10-12

Chinese Herbal Treatments

The most commonly used herbal formulations are based on Chinese medicines, and have been reviewed in the literature.^13,14 Chinese herbs are traditionally used in very complex mixtures where an unknown number of compounds may be acting synergistically.^14,15 Although the pursuit of the active component may be of paramount importance for research and therapeutic application, the mixture of the herbs work well because of an interaction of different compounds within the mixture. Whether or not Chinese herbal therapy (CHT) contains one or more active compounds, it does represent a potential source of novel therapeutic compounds.¹⁶

Rustin and Poulter¹⁷ describe the principles of CHT along with its history using the yin and yang theory, i.e., traditional Chinese physicians perceive skin disease as a breakdown in the essential relationship between the yin nourishment and yang activity. Such a crisis allows the subsequent invasion of the body by pathogenic factors such as wind, heat and dampness, which further exacerbate the skin. In these circumstances, CHT seeks to rid the hostile pathogens and to realign the fundamental yin and yang balance. Sheehan, et al, published a summary of double blind clinical trials confirming the efficacy of CHT along with pharmacological actions of individual herbal components listed in detail (see Table 1).^18-21

Zemaphyte%

Very few studies are available regarding the use of traditional CHT products. Sheehan, et al, carried out an 8-week study of 40 adults with long-standing difficult-to-treat AD. This was a double-blind crossover study with patients randomized to receive an oral Chinese herbal mixture known as Zemaphyte® (Phytopharm PLC) or an inactivated herb placebo. There were significant improvements noted in itching, erythema, the ability to sleep, and surface damage in the treatment group. In terms of potency and quantity required, topical corticosteroid use was reduced while on active treatment, when compared to those taking placebo.¹⁸ A similar trial with 47 children showed the same results over 8 weeks of active treatment. The pharmacology and mechanisms of action were unknown. There was no evidence of hematological, renal or hepatic toxicity.¹⁹

A one-year open follow-up study using Zemaphyte® with 37 children from the previous study had 10 (27%) patients withdraw because of inadequate response. Four of the responding patients withdrew early because the treatment was unpalatable. Also, preparation required boiling some of the herbal constituents in 600ml water for 90 minutes, which was considered too long by some patients. Of the remaining 23 patients, seven experienced a 90% reduction in severity and were able to stop the treatment within 6 months to 1 year. Sixteen patients required continuous treatment, though their treatments were reduced from one each day to one every 5 days. In total, 18 out of 23 patients (78%) demonstrated a 90% reduction in severity at the end of the study. A reversible asymptomatic elevation of the transaminase level was seen at 7-14 times normal in two patients. Approximately 33% of the patients had a mild diarrhea in the first few weeks of treatment.²⁰

A further long term open trial, included 17 adult patients²¹ who were volunteers from the original trial.¹⁸ At the end of one year, 12 of the 17 adults, or 71% had a greater than 90% reduction in severity and the other five patients had a 60% reduction in severity. No patients withdrew. There were no laboratory abnormalities seen in these adults, and mild diarrhea was the only major complaint.²¹

An open trial comparing the original decoction used by Sheehan, et al¹⁸ to a new granular preparation showed no difference in efficacy. However, patients receiving the granular preparation did comment on the increased palatability and ease of administration.²²

Commonly, Zemaphyte® (Phytopharm PLC) contains a mixture of 10 herbs with some known pharmacological agents and action. Analysis of these herbs revealed that none of them had nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory activities, but some displayed steroid like or antihistaminic like activities. One ingredient displayed immunosuppressive activity.²³ Latchman, et al, discovered that Zemaphyte® is associated with a reduction of serum IgE complexes and that it targets the immunologic features that seem to be involved in the pathogenesis of AD.²⁴

A more detailed study of the immune mechanisms in the skin of patients with AD using Zemaphyte® and other non-defined Chinese herbal therapies revealed that there were no significant changes in cell numbers (T-Cell subsets, macrophages, or dendritic cells) in normal skin, but a reduction of CD23 (a lowaffinity IgE receptor) – bearing antigen presenting cells was reported.^25,26 Down regulation of the low-affinity receptors for IgE on antigen-presenting cells in patients with AD may contribute to the benefit observed following treatment with Zemaphyte®.²⁷ Decreases are also seen in levels of soluble IL-2 receptors and soluble vascular adhesion molecules.¹⁶

There have also been negative effects reported for this remedy. In a study using Zemaphyte® with 40 patients, 37 completed the trial. There seemed to be a general trend of clinical improvement, however there was no statistically significant treatment effect of the herbal therapy or placebo in the four clinical parameters studied (erythema, surface damage, lichenification, and scaling). Hematological, renal and liver function tests were all normal throughout the trial. The investigators concluded that further research was required to evaluate the efficacy of this herbal medication.²⁸

Other Chinese Herbal Therapies

Reversible dilated cardiomyopathy was reported in one patient who received 2 weeks of therapy from a Chinese herbalist in Soho, London. The CHT mixture contained more than 30 herbal components.²⁹ Two patients suffered a reversible acute hepatic illness after taking traditional Chinese herbs,³⁰ and another patient was reported to have suffered fatal hepatic necrosis.³¹ Another case of hepatoxicity was reported, though the exact herbs were not stated.³²A19-year-old female with AD presented with symptomatic nephropathy from aristolochic acid that contained an undefined mixture of Chinese herbs that she had ingested for about three years.³³ Soderberg³⁴ used an open study design with 9 AD patients taking “herbal medicine” for a 3 week period and found that 5 patients’ condition had worsened. Similar drop-outs were reported in an open trial where six of eight patients withdrew because of exacerbation of their disease.³⁵ Other side-effects have been reported with the use of CHT, but not specifically in AD patients.¹⁷

Keane et al.³⁶ studied 11 Chinese herbal creams obtained from patients attending general and pediatric dermatology outpatient clinics. High-resolution gas chromatography and mass spectrometry were used to determine their content. Eight of the 11 creams contained dexamethasone. All of these creams had been used in sensitive skin areas including facies and folds. They concluded that greater regulations need to be imposed on Chinese herbalists to prevent the illegal and inappropriate prescribing of potent steroids.

Herbs

Dried and fresh flowers of the chamomile plant have been used medicinally around the world for many years. In vitro chamomile extracts inhibit both lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase, and can also inhibit histamine release.³⁸ Kamillosan® cream contains a mild chamomile extract as the active ingredient, which demonstrated no chamomile related allergen potential, and has been used for local therapy of AD. In a partially double blind and randomized study carried out as a half side comparison, the cream was compared with hydrocortisone 0.5% cream, and with the vehicle cream as the placebo in patients suffering from medium degree AD. After a 2-week treatment, a mild superiority was demonstrated when compared to hydrocortisone 0.5% and a marginal difference was found when compared to the placebo.³⁹ However, allergic contact dermatitis from chamomile used in phytotherapy (i.e., the use of vegetable drugs in medicine) has been reported.⁴⁰

Evening primrose oil (Efamol®, NUMICO) has been reported to benefit children with AD.^41,42 This medication is usually taken orally. Several randomized, double-blind studies found evening primrose oil to be more effective in treating the signs and symptoms of AD.^43-45 In a vehicle-controlled study of its effect on barrier function in AD, topical evening primrose oil in an amphiphilic and in a stable water-in-oil emulsion was compared in 20 AD patients. Evening primrose oil proved to have a stabilizing effect on the stratum corneum barrier, but this was apparent only in the water-in-oil emulsion and not in the amphiphilic emulsion. Therefore, the vehicle is extremely important.⁴⁶

A defect in the function of the enzyme delta-6-desaturase has been postulated as a factor in the development of AD. The rationale for using evening primrose oil rests in this functional defect. Delta-6-desaturase converts linoleic acid to gamma linoleic acid, and evening primrose oil is rich in gamma linoleic acid.⁴⁷ Supplementation with oral evening primrose oil for AD patients has demonstrated moderate and favorable fatty acid changes in their epidermis.⁴⁸ Topically applied gamma-linoleic acid has also been shown to be effective for treating AD because of its anti-pruritic and anti-inflammatory effects.⁴⁹ However, gamma-linoleic acid (GLA) contains pyrolizidine alkaloids, which can cause hepatotoxicity with chronic consumption.⁴ No toxicity data for topical preparations of evening primrose oil is available. Data on its effectiveness in treating AD is mixed, however. In a double blind, blocked crossover design with random assignment of 123 patients⁵⁰ and another double blind, placebo-controlled study of 60 AD children in Sweden using Epogam® (Scotia) produced similar negative results.⁵¹ AD was unresponsive to evening primrose oil. Treatment of AD with GLA remains controversial.¹¹

Shiunko

Shiunko is a topical medication made from herbal extracts and is used to treat a range of conditions including AD. In a vehiclecontrolled study of nine patients, Shiunko was effective in four patients when compared to petrolatum, but in only one patient when compared with 3.5% saltwater. This herb has antibacterial effects on Staphylococci and this is the proposed mechanism of action.⁵²

This may be similar to the beneficial effects seen with topical fusidic acid (Fucidin Intertulle®, Leo Pharma), which is not an herbal preparation, but a topical antibacterial agent.^53,54 Other alternative remedies listed to help eczema, but not necessarily AD include Witch Hazel, burdock and aloe vera³⁸ and Oolong tea.⁵⁵ Proper studies are very scant.

Herbal Allergens

Cosmetics, shampoos, herbal creams, and ingested herbal remedies and tonics may also contain Compositae plant extractions. The Compositae family includes plants such as the artichoke, burdock, chamomile, chrysanthemum, marigold, ragweed, and sunflower. The most common allergen in this family is the sesquiterpene lactones, present in the oleoresin fraction of the leaf, stem, flower and possibly pollen. Compositae dermatitis is most frequently seen in middle-aged and elderly people presenting with an air-borne or direct contact dermatitis.³⁷

Conclusion

Plant substances have been used as medicines for thousands of years. Recent research indicates that some herbs offer considerable medicinal benefits. Currently, the level of interest in alternative treatments by the general public continues to increase. Some patients who obtain care from dermatologists use OTC herbal remedies.³⁸

Dermatologists need information about the effects of herbal remedies in order to better serve their patients.³⁸ It is also important for dermatologists to give their patients the opportunity to be heard and understood. The greatest resource is time, and it should be offered and used effectively.²

Acknowledgement

Thanks to R. Gottshalk, S. Maddin, F. Murphy, G.E. Piérard, P. Roth, K. Scully, F. Tabassum, and J. Wismer for their suggestions in preparing his manuscript.

References

1. Sidbury R, Hanifin JM. Old, new and emerging therapies for atopic dermatitis. Dermatol Clin 18(1):1-11 (2000 Jan).
2. Leung DY. Disease management of atopic dermatitis: a practice parameter. Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters, representing the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, and the Joint Council of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Work Group on Atopic Dermatitis. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 79(3):197-211 (1997 Sep).
3. Graham-Brown R. Managing adults with atopic dermatitis. Dermatol Clin 14(3):531-7 (1996 Jul).
4. Gardiner P, Kemper KJ. Herbs in pediatric and adolescent medicine. Pediatr Rev 21(2):44-57 (2000 Feb).
5. Jensen P. Use of alternative medicine by patients with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Acta Derm Venereol 70(5):421-4 (1990).
6. Nelder, KH. Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Dermatology Clinics, 18(1):189-93 (2000 Jan).
7. Gold JL, Laxer DA, Rochon, PA. Herbal Remedies: A Critical Perspective. Ann R Coll Physicians Surg Can; 33(8):497-8 (2000).
8. Piérard GE, Piérard-Franchimont C. [Herbs for atopic dermatitis: phytotherapy of the sorcerer’s apprentice or a fake and culpable mascarade]. Rev Med Liege 54(6): 539-40 (1999 Jun).
9. Ernst E. The Usage of complementary therapies by dermatological patients: a systematic review. Br J Dermatol 142(5):857-61 (2000 May).
10. Bedi MK, Shenefelt PD. Herbal therapy in dermatology. Arch Dermatol 138(2):232-42 (2002 Feb).
11. Levin C, Maibach H. Exploration of “alternative” and “natural” drugs in dermatology. Arch Dermatol. 138(2):207-11 (2002 Feb).
12. Siegel, DM. Opening the doors of perception: complementary approaches to dermatologic disease. Arch Dermatol 138(2):251-3 (2002 Feb).
13. Yuan R, Lin Y. Traditional Chinese medicine: an approach to scientific proof and clinical validation. Pharmacol Ther 86(2): 191-8 (2000 May).
14. Fugh-Berman A. Clinical trials of herbs. Prim Care 24(4):889-903 (1997 Dec).
15. Zhang J, Guenther L. Chinese herbs for atopic dermatitis. Can J Dermatol 7(4):802-6 (1995 Aug).
16. Latchman YE, Xu XJ, Poulter LW, Rustin MH, Atherton DJ, Brostoff J. Chinese medical herbs in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Allergy Clin Immunol Int 14:4-9 (2002).
17. Rustin MH, Poulter L. Chinese Herbal Therapy in atopic dermatitis. Dermatol Ther 1996 (1): 83-93
18. Sheehan MP, Rustin MH, Atherton DJ, et al. Efficacy of traditional Chinese herbal therapy in adult atopic dermatitis. Lancet 340(8810):13-7 (1992 Jul).
19. Sheehan MP, Atherton DJ. Acontrolled trial of traditional Chinese medicinal plants in widespread non-exudative atopic eczema. Br J Dermatol 126(2):179-84 (1992 Feb).
20. Sheehan MP Atherton DJ. One-year follow up of children treated with Chinese medicinal herbs for atopic eczema. Br J Dermatol 130(4):488-93 (1994 Apr).
21. Sheehan MP, Stevens H, Osterle LS, Atherton DJ, Brostoff J, Rustin M. Follow-up of adult patients with atopic eczema treated with Chinese herbal therapy for 1 year. Clin Exp Dermatol 20(2):136-40 (1995 Mar).
22. Banerjee P, Rustin MH. Efficacy of a new palatable formulation of Chinese Herbal therapy as a treatment of atopic eczema. Br J Dermatol 131(suppl 44):26 (1994).
23. Latchman Y, Whittle B, Rustin M, Atherton DJ, Brostoff J. The efficacy of traditional Chinese herbal therapy in atopic eczema. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 104(3):222-6 (1994 Jul).
24. Latchman Y, Bannerjee P, Poulter LW, Rustin M, Brostoff J. Association of immunological changes with clinical efficacy in atopic eczema patients treated with traditional Chinese herbal therapy (Zemaphyte). Int Arch Allergy Immunol 109(3):243-9 (1996 Mar).
25. Xu XJ, Banerjee P, Rustin MH, Poulter LW. Modulation by Chinese herbal therapy of immune mechanisms in the skin of patients with atopic eczema. Br J Dermatol 136(1):54-9 (1997 Jan).
26. Banerjee P, Xu XJ, Poulter LW, Rustin MH. Changes in CD23 expression of blood and skin in atopic eczema after Chinese herbal therapy. Clin Exp Allergy 28(3):306-14 (1998 Mar).
27. Latchman Y, Bungy GA, Atherton DJ, Rustin MH, Brostoff J. Efficacy of traditional Chinese herbal therapy in vitro. A model system for atopic eczema: inhibition of CD23 expression on blood monocytes. Br J Dermatol 132(4):592-8 (1995 Apr).
28. Fung AY, Look P, Chong LY, But PP, Wong E. Acontrolled trial of traditional Chinese herbal medicine in Chinese patients with recalcitrant atopic dermatitis. Int J Dermatol 38(5): 387-92 (1999 May).
29. Ferguson JE, Chalmers RJ, Rowlands DJ. Reversible dilated cardiomyopathy following treatment of atopic eczema with Chinese herbal medicine. Br J Dermatol 136(4):592-3 (1997 Apr).
30. Kane JA, Kane SP, Jain S. Hepatitis induced by traditional Chinese herbs; possible toxic components. Gut 36(1):146-7 (1995 Jan).
31. Perharic-Walton L, Murray V. Toxicity of Chinese herbal remedies. Lancet 340(8820):674 (1992 Sep).
32. Graham-Brown R. Toxicity of Chinese herbal remedies. Lancet 340(8820):673-4 1992 Sep).
33. Tanaka A, Nishida R, Sawai K, et al. [Traditional remedy-induced Chinese herbs nephropathy showing rapid deterioration of renal function]. Nippon Jinzo Gakkai Shi 39(8):794-7 (1997 Dec).
34. Soderberg U, Windelborg Nielsen B, Schade Larsen C, Schiotz PO, Thestrup-Pedersen K. Time-course studies of immediate and delayed immune reactivity in patients with atopic dermatitis treated with herbal drugs. Allergy 45(8):559-65 (1990 Nov).
35. Liu HN, Jaw SK, Wong CK. Chinese herbs and atopic dermatitis. Lancet 342(8880):1175-6 (1993 Nov).
36. Keane FM, Munn SE, du Vivier AW, Taylor NF, Higgins EM. Analysis of Chinese herbal creams prescribed for dermatological conditions. BMJ 318(7183):563-4 (1999 Feb).
37. Gordon LA. Compositae dermatitis. Australas J Dermatol 40(3):123-8; quiz 129-30 (1999 Aug).
38. Norman R, Nelson D. Do Alternative & Complementary Therapies work for common Dermatologic Conditions? Skin & Aging 8(2)28-33 (2000 Feb).
39. Patzelt-Wenczler R, Ponce-Poschl E. Proof of efficacy of Kamillosan® cream in atopic eczema. Eur J Med Res 5(4):171-5 (2000 Apr).
40. Giordano-Labadie F, Schwarze HP, Bazex J. Allergic contact dermatitis from camomile used in phytotherapy. Contact Dermatitis 42(4):247 (2000 Apr).
41. Biagi PL, Bordoni A, Masi M, et al. A long-term study on the use of evening primrose oil (Efamol) in atopic children. Drugs Exp Clin Res 14(4):285-90 (1988).
42. Bordoni A, Biagi PL, Masi M, et al. Evening primrose oil (Efamol) in the treatment of children with atopic eczema. Drugs Exp Clin Res 14(4):291-7 (1988).
43. Lovell CR, Burton JL, Horrobin DF. Treatment of atopic eczema with evening primrose oil. Lancet 1(8214):278 (1981 Jan).
44. Schalin-Karilla M, Mattila L, Jansen CT, Uotila P. Evening primrose oil in the treatment of atopic eczema: effect on clinical status, plasma phospholipid fatty acids and circulating blood prostaglandins. Br J Dermatol 117(1):11-9 (1987 Jul).
45. Wright S, Burton JL. Oral evening-primrose-seed oil improves atopic eczema. Lancet 2(8308):1120-2 (1982 Nov).
46. Gehring W, Bopp R, Rippke F, Gloor M. Effect of topically applied evening primrose oil on epidermal barrier function in atopic dermatitis as a function of vehicle. Arzneimittelforschung 49(7):635-42 (1999 Jul).
47. Kerscher MJ, Korting HC. Treatment of atopic eczema with evening primrose oil: rationale and clinical results. Clin Investig 70(2):167-71 (1992 Feb).
48. Schafer L, Kragballe K. Supplementation with evening primrose oil in atopic dermatitis: effect on fatty acids in neutrophils and epidermis. Lipids 26(7):557-60 (1991 Jul).
49. Lotti TM, Menchini G, Comacchi C, Ghersetich I. Treatment Pearls from Europe. Derm Clinics 16(3):631-41 (1998 Jul).
50. Bamford JT, Gibson RW, Renier CM. Atopic eczema unresponsive to evening primrose oil (linoleic and gamma-linolenic acids). J Am Acad Dermatol 13(6):959-65 (1985 Dec).
51. Hederos CA, Berg A. Epogam evening primrose oil treatment in atopic dermatitis and asthma. Arch Dis Child 75(6):494-7 (1996 Dec).
52. Higaki S, Morimatsu S, Morohashi M, Yamagishi T, Hasegawa Y. Susceptibility of Propionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis to 10 Kampo formulations. J Int Med Res 25(6):318-24 (1997 Nov-Dec).
53. Symposium Report: Eighth congress of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. Amsterdam Sept 1999; Leo Pharmaceutical Products.
54. Ramsay CA, Savoie JM, Gilbert M, et al: The treatment of atopic dermatitis with topical fucidic acid and hydrocortisone acetate. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venerol 7(suppl 1):S15-22 (1997).
55. Uehara M, Sugiura H, Sakurai K. A trial of oolong tea in the management of recalcitrant atopic dermatitis. Arch Dermol 137(1):42-3 (2001 Jan).