Patients receiving Chinese herbal therapy, as compared with placebo, had significantly reduced skin disease, reduced pruritus, and improved sleep. The beneficial response of Chinese herbal therapy, however, is often temporary and effectiveness may wear off despite continued treatment. The possibility of toxicity, particularly hepatic or cardiac side effects, associated with long-term use or idiosyncratic reactions remains a concern. The specific ingredients of the herbs that result in clinical improvement remain to be elucidated. At present, Chinese herbal therapy for atopic dermatitis is considered investigational.
Atopic dermatitis is an illness associated with immunoregulatory abnormalities.
As a result, future directions in therapy are likely to focus on a number of different immunologic targets in this illness.