Traditional Chinese herbal therapy for atopic dermatitis

On a short-term basis, Chinese herbal therapy has helped some people with atopic dermatitis. This may be due to the presence of naturally occurring corticosteroids in some herbal preparations.¹

Serious side effects have been linked to some Chinese herbal therapies, including a dangerous buildup of toxins in the liver.^{2, 1} Because some herbal treatments may be poisonous, people receiving Chinese herbal therapy should have their liver and kidney function tested before treatment and at least every 6 months during the treatment period.

If you choose this therapy, tell your health professional so that it can be recorded and considered in your medical history and treatment.

Citations

1. Leung D (2000). Atopic dermatitis: New insights and opportunities for therapeutic intervention. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 105(5): 860–76.

2. Oranje AP, Wolkerstorfer A (1999). Advances in the treatment of atopic dermatitis with special regard to children. Current Problems in Dermatology, 28: 56–63.