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HIGHEST EFFICACY IN CATEGORY
Phototherapy(UV-A, Narrowband UV-B)If your child wishes to avoid or reduce reliance on topical and drug treatmentsIf you wish to avoid or reduce reliance on topical and drug treatmentsLight exposure 2-3 times per weekMediumSide Effect Affected Skin redness Skin dryness KEY TAKEAWAYSPhototherapy is effective at reducing eczema symptoms and severity in both children and adults with moderate-to-severe eczema. Studies show significant improvements in itching, sleep quality, and overall disease severity scores.Study Summary Study Type Studied Population Results šNarrow-band UVB light therapy was found to be effective and safe for treating moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in children aged 4-14 years. The treatment improved symptoms significantly, and these improvements lasted for up to 2 years after treatment ended.Total Patients: 30Severity: moderate to severeAge: 4-14 yearsTreatment improved AD symptoms significantly and maintained improvement for 2 years šNarrowband UVB light therapy improved symptoms and quality of life for atopic dermatitis patients, with benefits lasting up to 3 months after treatment. The treatment caused only mild side effects like slight redness and burning.Clinical Trial Total Patients: 144Severity: not availableAge: not availablePO-SCORAD scores showed significant improvement that lasted for at least 3 months šNarrowband UVB light therapy helped reduce the need for steroid creams in 70% of eczema patients. About half of the patients achieved clear or almost clear skin after treatment. The therapy also reduced the need for oral steroids and antihistamines.Multicenter Study Total Patients: 844Severity: not availableAge: not available70% of patients needed less topical steroids after treatment Phototherapy helps reduce the need for topical steroid creams. One large study found that 70% of patients needed significantly less topical steroids in the 12 months after phototherapy treatment.Study Summary Study Type Studied Population Results šNarrowband UVB light therapy helped reduce the need for steroid creams in 70% of eczema patients. About half of the patients achieved clear or almost clear skin after treatment. The therapy also reduced the need for oral steroids and antihistamines.Multicenter Study Total Patients: 844Severity: not availableAge: not available70% of patients needed less topical steroids after treatment Phototherapy is generally safe with minimal side effects. The most common side effect is dry skin. However, some patients may experience mild redness or burning. People with certain conditions like skin cancer history should not receive phototherapy.Study Summary Study Type Studied Population Results šBoth types of light therapy (narrowband UVB alone or combined with UVA) were equally effective in treating chronic atopic dermatitis. The main difference was that patients receiving only narrowband UVB experienced more skin dryness.Randomized Controlled Trial Total Patients: 19Severity: moderate to severeAge: not availableBoth types of light therapy were effective in improving eczema severity šNarrow-band UVB light therapy was found to be effective and safe for treating moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in children aged 4-14 years. The treatment improved symptoms significantly, and these improvements lasted for up to 2 years after treatment ended.Total Patients: 30Severity: moderate to severeAge: 4-14 yearsTreatment improved AD symptoms significantly and maintained improvement for 2 years Different types of phototherapy (NB-UVB and UVA-1) appear to have similar effectiveness, though some studies suggest higher doses may work better for people with darker skin types.Study Summary Study Type Studied Population Results šBoth types of light therapy (narrowband UVB alone or combined with UVA) were equally effective in treating chronic atopic dermatitis. The main difference was that patients receiving only narrowband UVB experienced more skin dryness.Randomized Controlled Trial Total Patients: 19Severity: moderate to severeAge: not availableBoth types of light therapy were effective in improving eczema severity šUVA1 phototherapy is effective for treating severe atopic dermatitis. High-dose UVA1 treatment works better than medium-dose for patients with darker skin, while both doses work equally well for patients with fair skin.Randomized Controlled Trial Total Patients: 27Severity: severeAge: 18+Both doses improved SCORAD scores, with high dose being significantly more effective in darker skin types (p<0.0001) -
HIGHEST EFFICACY IN CATEGORY
Phototherapy (UV-A, Narrowband UV-B)Who is this for?:If you wish to avoid or reduce reliance on topical and drug treatmentsIf your child wishes to avoid or reduce reliance on topical and drug treatmentsEffectiveness:Side Effects:MediumCost:Delivery:Light exposure 2-3 times per weekSee EvidenceDiscuss with a DermatologistKEY TAKEAWAYS
Phototherapy is effective at reducing eczema symptoms and severity in both children and adults with moderate-to-severe eczema. Studies show significant improvements in itching, sleep quality, and overall disease severity scores.
Summary:Narrow-band UVB light therapy was found to be effective and safe for treating moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in children aged 4-14 years. The treatment improved symptoms significantly, and these improvements lasted for up to 2 years after treatment ended.Study Type:Studied Population:Total Patients: 30Severity: moderate to severeAge: 4-14 yearsResults:Treatment improved AD symptoms significantly and maintained improvement for 2 years
Summary:Narrowband UVB light therapy improved symptoms and quality of life for atopic dermatitis patients, with benefits lasting up to 3 months after treatment. The treatment caused only mild side effects like slight redness and burning.Study Type:Clinical TrialStudied Population:Total Patients: 144Severity: not availableAge: not availableResults:PO-SCORAD scores showed significant improvement that lasted for at least 3 months
Summary:Narrowband UVB light therapy helped reduce the need for steroid creams in 70% of eczema patients. About half of the patients achieved clear or almost clear skin after treatment. The therapy also reduced the need for oral steroids and antihistamines.Study Type:Multicenter StudyStudied Population:Total Patients: 844Severity: not availableAge: not availableResults:70% of patients needed less topical steroids after treatment
Phototherapy helps reduce the need for topical steroid creams. One large study found that 70% of patients needed significantly less topical steroids in the 12 months after phototherapy treatment.
Summary:Narrowband UVB light therapy helped reduce the need for steroid creams in 70% of eczema patients. About half of the patients achieved clear or almost clear skin after treatment. The therapy also reduced the need for oral steroids and antihistamines.Study Type:Multicenter StudyStudied Population:Total Patients: 844Severity: not availableAge: not availableResults:70% of patients needed less topical steroids after treatment
Phototherapy is generally safe with minimal side effects. The most common side effect is dry skin. However, some patients may experience mild redness or burning. People with certain conditions like skin cancer history should not receive phototherapy.
Summary:Both types of light therapy (narrowband UVB alone or combined with UVA) were equally effective in treating chronic atopic dermatitis. The main difference was that patients receiving only narrowband UVB experienced more skin dryness.Study Type:Randomized Controlled TrialStudied Population:Total Patients: 19Severity: moderate to severeAge: not availableResults:Both types of light therapy were effective in improving eczema severity
Summary:Narrow-band UVB light therapy was found to be effective and safe for treating moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in children aged 4-14 years. The treatment improved symptoms significantly, and these improvements lasted for up to 2 years after treatment ended.Study Type:Studied Population:Total Patients: 30Severity: moderate to severeAge: 4-14 yearsResults:Treatment improved AD symptoms significantly and maintained improvement for 2 years
Different types of phototherapy (NB-UVB and UVA-1) appear to have similar effectiveness, though some studies suggest higher doses may work better for people with darker skin types.
Summary:Both types of light therapy (narrowband UVB alone or combined with UVA) were equally effective in treating chronic atopic dermatitis. The main difference was that patients receiving only narrowband UVB experienced more skin dryness.Study Type:Randomized Controlled TrialStudied Population:Total Patients: 19Severity: moderate to severeAge: not availableResults:Both types of light therapy were effective in improving eczema severity
Summary:UVA1 phototherapy is effective for treating severe atopic dermatitis. High-dose UVA1 treatment works better than medium-dose for patients with darker skin, while both doses work equally well for patients with fair skin.Study Type:Randomized Controlled TrialStudied Population:Total Patients: 27Severity: severeAge: 18+Results:Both doses improved SCORAD scores, with high dose being significantly more effective in darker skin types (p<0.0001)
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LOWEST SIDE EFFECTSElimination diet(Elimination diet)If your AD is triggered by certain food ingredientsIf your AD is triggered by certain food ingredientsProcedure dailyLow
Side Effect Affected KEY TAKEAWAYSElimination diets can be effective for some patients with atopic dermatitis, with about 60% of patients showing improvement in their skin condition when certain foods are removed from their dietStudy Summary Study Type Studied Population Results šIn children with severe eczema and gut symptoms, 61% showed improvement when following an elimination diet. The presence of certain immune cells (IgE-positive cells) in the gut could help predict which children would not respond to an elimination diet.Comparative Study Total Patients: 31More than half of the children showed improvement with elimination diet When food-sensitive patients with atopic dermatitis follow an elimination diet, their allergic responses (measured by IgE antibodies) to problematic foods like eggs or milk decrease over timeStudy Summary Study Type Studied Population Results šElimination diets helped improve symptoms in patients with atopic dermatitis who were sensitive to egg or milk. During the elimination diet, both antibodies to these foods and immune cell responses decreased, suggesting the diet was effective.Clinical Trial Severity: not availableAge: not availableElimination diet led to improvement in atopic dermatitis symptoms While elimination diets may help some patients, it's difficult to predict who will respond well to the diet just based on standard allergy tests (like skin prick tests or blood tests)Study Summary Study Type Studied Population Results šIn children with severe eczema and gut symptoms, 61% showed improvement when following an elimination diet. The presence of certain immune cells (IgE-positive cells) in the gut could help predict which children would not respond to an elimination diet.Comparative Study Total Patients: 31More than half of the children showed improvement with elimination diet šThere is limited scientific evidence that elimination diets help with atopic dermatitis, except in cases where specific food allergies have been confirmed. Food elimination should only be done under medical supervision to avoid nutritional deficiencies.Comparative Study Patients who show improvement with elimination diets often experience a reduction in both skin symptoms and internal immune responsesStudy Summary Study Type Studied Population Results šElimination diets helped improve symptoms in patients with atopic dermatitis who were sensitive to egg or milk. During the elimination diet, both antibodies to these foods and immune cell responses decreased, suggesting the diet was effective.Clinical Trial Severity: not availableAge: not availableElimination diet led to improvement in atopic dermatitis symptoms šThere is limited scientific evidence that elimination diets help with atopic dermatitis, except in cases where specific food allergies have been confirmed. Food elimination should only be done under medical supervision to avoid nutritional deficiencies.Comparative Study -
LOWEST SIDE EFFECTSElimination diet (Elimination diet)Who is this for?:If your AD is triggered by certain food ingredientsIf your AD is triggered by certain food ingredientsEffectiveness:Side Effects:LowCost:Delivery:Procedure None dailySee EvidenceDiscuss with a DermatologistKEY TAKEAWAYS
Elimination diets can be effective for some patients with atopic dermatitis, with about 60% of patients showing improvement in their skin condition when certain foods are removed from their diet
Summary:In children with severe eczema and gut symptoms, 61% showed improvement when following an elimination diet. The presence of certain immune cells (IgE-positive cells) in the gut could help predict which children would not respond to an elimination diet.Study Type:Comparative StudyStudied Population:Total Patients: 31Results:More than half of the children showed improvement with elimination diet
When food-sensitive patients with atopic dermatitis follow an elimination diet, their allergic responses (measured by IgE antibodies) to problematic foods like eggs or milk decrease over time
Summary:Elimination diets helped improve symptoms in patients with atopic dermatitis who were sensitive to egg or milk. During the elimination diet, both antibodies to these foods and immune cell responses decreased, suggesting the diet was effective.Study Type:Clinical TrialStudied Population:Severity: not availableAge: not availableResults:Elimination diet led to improvement in atopic dermatitis symptoms
While elimination diets may help some patients, it's difficult to predict who will respond well to the diet just based on standard allergy tests (like skin prick tests or blood tests)
Summary:In children with severe eczema and gut symptoms, 61% showed improvement when following an elimination diet. The presence of certain immune cells (IgE-positive cells) in the gut could help predict which children would not respond to an elimination diet.Study Type:Comparative StudyStudied Population:Total Patients: 31Results:More than half of the children showed improvement with elimination diet
Summary:There is limited scientific evidence that elimination diets help with atopic dermatitis, except in cases where specific food allergies have been confirmed. Food elimination should only be done under medical supervision to avoid nutritional deficiencies.Study Type:Comparative StudyStudied Population:Results:
Patients who show improvement with elimination diets often experience a reduction in both skin symptoms and internal immune responses
Summary:Elimination diets helped improve symptoms in patients with atopic dermatitis who were sensitive to egg or milk. During the elimination diet, both antibodies to these foods and immune cell responses decreased, suggesting the diet was effective.Study Type:Clinical TrialStudied Population:Severity: not availableAge: not availableResults:Elimination diet led to improvement in atopic dermatitis symptoms
Summary:There is limited scientific evidence that elimination diets help with atopic dermatitis, except in cases where specific food allergies have been confirmed. Food elimination should only be done under medical supervision to avoid nutritional deficiencies.Study Type:Comparative StudyStudied Population:Results:
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Allergen-specific immunotherapy(AIT)If your AD is related to allergies and other treatment-options are exhaustedIf your AD is related to allergies and other treatment-options are exhaustedInjection weeklyMedium
Side Effect Affected slight adverse events Nausea Abdominal pain Rhinitis aggravation KEY TAKEAWAYS -
Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT)Who is this for?:If your AD is related to allergies and other treatment-options are exhaustedIf your AD is related to allergies and other treatment-options are exhaustedEffectiveness:Side Effects:MediumCost:Delivery:Injection weeklySee EvidenceDiscuss with a DermatologistKEY TAKEAWAYS
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Acupuncture(Acupuncture)If you are looking to add an alternative treatment to your regimenIf you are looking to add an alternative treatment to your regimenProcedure weeklyLow
Side Effect Affected ($500 - $300)KEY TAKEAWAYSAcupuncture appears to be effective at reducing itch intensity and symptoms in patients with atopic dermatitis, with twice-weekly treatments for 4 weeks showing significant improvements compared to sham (placebo) acupunctureStudy Summary Study Type Studied Population Results šAcupuncture treatment performed 2-3 times weekly for 4 weeks improved symptoms in patients with mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis. Both itch and sleep improved with real acupuncture compared to sham acupuncture.Randomized Controlled Trial Total Patients: 30Both twice-weekly and thrice-weekly acupuncture improved symptoms compared to sham acupuncture Acupuncture can help reduce both immediate itch symptoms (when applied during an itch episode) and prevent future itch episodes, with immediate treatment showing stronger effects for reducing itch intensityStudy Summary Study Type Studied Population Results šAcupuncture was effective at reducing itch in patients with atopic dermatitis. Acupuncture given during an itch episode (abortive) worked better than both preventive acupuncture and the antihistamine cetirizine. Unlike cetirizine, acupuncture did not cause drowsiness or reduced attention.Randomized Controlled Trial Total Patients: 20All active treatments significantly reduced itch compared to no intervention, with abortive acupuncture showing the strongest effect šAcupuncture at specific points significantly reduced itch in patients with atopic eczema compared to placebo acupuncture or no treatment. The treatment also reduced skin reactions to allergens when given preventively.Randomized Controlled Trial Total Patients: 30Severity: not availableAge: not availableTrue acupuncture significantly reduced itch intensity both immediately and preventively Acupuncture appears to be as effective as antihistamine medications (like cetirizine) for reducing itch, but without causing drowsiness or reduced attention that are common side effects of antihistaminesStudy Summary Study Type Studied Population Results šAcupuncture was effective at reducing itch in patients with atopic dermatitis. Acupuncture given during an itch episode (abortive) worked better than both preventive acupuncture and the antihistamine cetirizine. Unlike cetirizine, acupuncture did not cause drowsiness or reduced attention.Randomized Controlled Trial Total Patients: 20All active treatments significantly reduced itch compared to no intervention, with abortive acupuncture showing the strongest effect Acupuncture treatment is generally safe, with only mild and rare side effects reported like temporary numbness or mild discomfortStudy Summary Study Type Studied Population Results šAcupuncture treatment performed 2-3 times weekly for 4 weeks improved symptoms in patients with mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis. Both itch and sleep improved with real acupuncture compared to sham acupuncture.Randomized Controlled Trial Total Patients: 30Both twice-weekly and thrice-weekly acupuncture improved symptoms compared to sham acupuncture -
Acupuncture (Acupuncture)Who is this for?:If you are looking to add an alternative treatment to your regimenIf you are looking to add an alternative treatment to your regimenEffectiveness:Side Effects:LowCost:Delivery:Procedure weeklySee EvidenceDiscuss with a DermatologistKEY TAKEAWAYS
Acupuncture appears to be effective at reducing itch intensity and symptoms in patients with atopic dermatitis, with twice-weekly treatments for 4 weeks showing significant improvements compared to sham (placebo) acupuncture
Acupuncture can help reduce both immediate itch symptoms (when applied during an itch episode) and prevent future itch episodes, with immediate treatment showing stronger effects for reducing itch intensity
Acupuncture appears to be as effective as antihistamine medications (like cetirizine) for reducing itch, but without causing drowsiness or reduced attention that are common side effects of antihistamines
Acupuncture treatment is generally safe, with only mild and rare side effects reported like temporary numbness or mild discomfort
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Bleach baths(Sodium hypochlorite)Add-on to other treatments if you experience frequent skin infectionsAdd-on to other treatments if you experience frequent skin infectionsProcedure weeklyLow
Side Effect Affected Stinging and burning Itching ($15 - $60)KEY TAKEAWAYSThe effectiveness of bleach baths for treating eczema shows mixed results. While some studies show improvement in symptoms, others found bleach baths were not more effective than plain water baths in reducing bacteria or improving eczema severity.Study Summary Study Type Studied Population Results šBleach baths taken twice weekly for 4 weeks were not more effective than regular water baths in treating moderate-to-severe eczema. While bleach baths did reduce the need for topical steroids and antibiotics, water baths actually showed better improvement in the affected skin area.Randomized Controlled Trial Total Patients: 40Severity: moderate to severeAge: not availableWater baths were more effective than bleach baths in reducing affected area šThe study found that using steroid cream alone was enough to normalize the bacteria on eczema-affected skin. Adding bleach baths to the treatment didn't provide additional benefits for changing the skin bacteria composition.Randomized Controlled Trial Total Patients: 35Severity: not availableAge: children (age range not specified)Adding bleach baths to steroid cream treatment did not provide additional benefits for normalizing skin bacteria Bleach body wash (0.006% sodium hypochlorite) may be a more convenient alternative to bleach baths. Studies showed the body wash improved symptoms and reduced the need for topical steroids, with patients preferring it over traditional bleach baths.Study Summary Study Type Studied Population Results šA body wash containing diluted bleach (sodium hypochlorite) improved eczema symptoms in children with moderate-to-severe eczema who had Staphylococcus aureus bacteria on their skin. Patients preferred using the body wash over traditional bleach baths, and they needed to use less steroid cream during the study.Multicenter Study Total Patients: 50Severity: moderate to severeAge: 6 months-17 yearsPatients showed improvement in overall eczema severity Bleach treatments appear to work through multiple mechanisms beyond just killing bacteria. They may have direct anti-inflammatory effects on the skin.Study Summary Study Type Studied Population Results šA body wash containing diluted bleach (sodium hypochlorite) improved eczema symptoms in children with moderate-to-severe eczema who had Staphylococcus aureus bacteria on their skin. Patients preferred using the body wash over traditional bleach baths, and they needed to use less steroid cream during the study.Multicenter Study Total Patients: 50Severity: moderate to severeAge: 6 months-17 yearsPatients showed improvement in overall eczema severity šThe study found that using steroid cream alone was enough to normalize the bacteria on eczema-affected skin. Adding bleach baths to the treatment didn't provide additional benefits for changing the skin bacteria composition.Randomized Controlled Trial Total Patients: 35Severity: not availableAge: children (age range not specified)Adding bleach baths to steroid cream treatment did not provide additional benefits for normalizing skin bacteria Bleach treatments are generally well-tolerated and safe, with no significant adverse effects on skin barrier function reported.Study Summary Study Type Studied Population Results šA body wash containing diluted bleach (sodium hypochlorite) improved eczema symptoms in children with moderate-to-severe eczema who had Staphylococcus aureus bacteria on their skin. Patients preferred using the body wash over traditional bleach baths, and they needed to use less steroid cream during the study.Multicenter Study Total Patients: 50Severity: moderate to severeAge: 6 months-17 yearsPatients showed improvement in overall eczema severity šBleach baths taken twice weekly for 4 weeks were not more effective than regular water baths in treating moderate-to-severe eczema. While bleach baths did reduce the need for topical steroids and antibiotics, water baths actually showed better improvement in the affected skin area.Randomized Controlled Trial Total Patients: 40Severity: moderate to severeAge: not availableWater baths were more effective than bleach baths in reducing affected area -
Bleach baths (Sodium hypochlorite)Who is this for?:Add-on to other treatments if you experience frequent skin infectionsAdd-on to other treatments if you experience frequent skin infectionsEffectiveness:Side Effects:LowCost:Delivery:Procedure weeklySee EvidenceGet This TreatmentKEY TAKEAWAYS
The effectiveness of bleach baths for treating eczema shows mixed results. While some studies show improvement in symptoms, others found bleach baths were not more effective than plain water baths in reducing bacteria or improving eczema severity.
Bleach body wash (0.006% sodium hypochlorite) may be a more convenient alternative to bleach baths. Studies showed the body wash improved symptoms and reduced the need for topical steroids, with patients preferring it over traditional bleach baths.
Bleach treatments appear to work through multiple mechanisms beyond just killing bacteria. They may have direct anti-inflammatory effects on the skin.
Bleach treatments are generally well-tolerated and safe, with no significant adverse effects on skin barrier function reported.
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