Holistic Treatment Techniques to Manage Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD), often called atopic eczema, is the most common inflammatory skin condition, affecting individuals of all ages, from newborns to adults 65 years or older. Around 230 million people worldwide live with the condition, which is characterized by itchy, dry, cracked skin.¹ Management of AD generally depends on long-term adherence to prescription medications and avoidance of environmental triggers. Since medications only treat the physical ailment and often cause side effects, many AD patients prefer to seek treatment options beyond standard medications. Holistic medicine offers one such approach to managing illness.

What is holistic treatment?

Holistic treatment is an approach that focuses on the patient as a whole – body, mind and spirit – rather than just managing a particular illness. It is based on the philosophy that optimal health can be achieved by achieving balance in life. Holistic practitioners believe that the parts of our body are interdependent; if one part is injured, the other parts will also be affected, negatively impacting overall health. These practitioners use both Western medicine and alternative therapies, focusing on alleviating the cause of illness rather than just managing symptoms. Some commonly used holistic treatment options for AD are discussed in this article.

Holistic Treatment Options for Atopic Dermatitis

Natural oils: Virgin coconut oil provides an inexpensive and safe alternative option in the management of AD. It has been used for centuries to moisturize the skin. It consists of triglycerides, polyphenols and fatty acids as main components and has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial properties promoting wound healing and hydration of skin affected by AD.² According to the results of a study published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary MedicineThe anti-inflammatory properties of virgin coconut oil help suppress inflammatory markers and improve skin barrier function, thereby protecting the skin.³

Sunflower seed oil is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties in AD patients. It contains linoleic acid which activates PPARα, thereby reducing inflammation and improving skin barrier function.⁴

Acupuncture: Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves penetrating fine needles into the skin to promote physiological healing. It has been shown to be effective in the management of several dermatological conditions, including AD. The practice is attracting attention worldwide, with an estimated 3 million adults in the United States using acupuncture in 2007.⁵ According to the results of a systematic review of 8 randomized controlled trials, acupuncture may be more effective than conventional medicine in relieving overall symptoms of AD.⁶

Phytotherapy: Herbal medicine uses herbs, plants, and plant extracts to manage illnesses. Medicinal plants, in topical and oral form, are gaining ground in the management of AD. They generally have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. A study conducted in 2020 showed promising results of herbal medicine as monotherapy and adjunctive therapy in the management of AD. When it comes to effectiveness and symptom relief, herbal medicine has been shown to be more effective than conventional medicine.⁷

Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy, which uses essential oils distilled from plants, is used to manage various conditions such as stress, anxiety and dermatological disorders. It is commonly used in combination with other non-traditional therapies. The essential oils of this therapy are administered to the body in different ways, including direct massage, inhalation or distillation in baths.⁸

Hypnotherapy: Hypnosis is increasingly used in medicine to manage pain and anxiety. Since stress plays a vital role in worsening symptoms and triggering AD flare-ups, hypnotherapy can help improve some symptoms of the disease. The results of a study published in the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis showed that hypnosis was an effective treatment option for AD. The data further demonstrated that hypnosis could be used in patients as an alternative treatment option to systemic therapies.⁹

Climatotherapy: Climatotherapy has been indicated for patients with AD for many years. This form of therapy involves a combination of swimming and sunbathing in the sea for a few weeks. The Dead Sea basin is known as a natural treatment center for patients suffering from dermatological and rheumatic diseases. The results of a scientific study highlighted a temporal change in the skin of AD patients after exposure to Dead Sea climatotherapy. These findings further explain that climate may serve as a potential therapy for AD patients by influencing the development and maintenance of a patient’s personal microbiomes.^ten

Tuina: Tuina is a traditional Chinese medicine therapy involving the manual manipulation of the body’s soft tissues to improve health and well-being. According to data from a systematic review conducted in 2019, tuina massage therapy is an effective treatment option for improving symptoms and reducing relapse rates in people 13 years of age or younger. It has also been reported that tuina, alone or in combination with other treatment options, can successfully improve common signs and symptoms of AD, including skin lesions, itching, edema, and papules.¹¹

Diet and Supplements: It’s a common myth among AD patients that avoiding certain foods can prevent allergic reactions and disease flares. However, making dietary changes can help reduce inflammation, strengthen the immune system, and improve some of the symptoms associated with AD. Some vitamins and supplements commonly used by AD patients to manage their symptoms include vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, antioxidants, zinc, fish oil, prebiotics and probiotics, selenium, cannabidiol and melatonin.¹² Data from a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology revealed the role of vitamin D supplements in reducing the severity of AD.¹³

Relaxation techniques: AD patients are prone to anxiety and stress, which can serve as triggers and make the situation worse. It is crucial to address these factors and promote stress management. Some common relaxation techniques used by AD patients to promote physical and mental well-being include meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, tai chi, and Reiki.⁸

Holistic medicine aims to ensure the overall well-being of patients, which requires greater teamwork and greater integration in the chain of care. Although Western medicine is beneficial in managing symptoms, a holistic approach can help improve the overall health of patients. However, it is imperative to evaluate all benefits and risks associated with therapy before prescribing holistic treatment.

A version of this article was originally published in Topic on drugssister publication s®, Dermatology hours®.

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