An integrative approach to atopic dermatitis
By Dr. Esha Singh, ND
Features Clinical Patient Care atopic dermatitis eczema food allergies stress Traditional Chinese MedicineAtopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common…
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common dermatological conditions seen in practice in both young and older patients. Up to 17% of Canadians experience atopic dermatitis at some point in their lives (dermatology.ca, 2022). It affects 10-20% of the paediatric population and up to 3% of the adult population (Bieber, 2008). AD can present on its own, but is often a part of the atopic triad, which includes allergic rhinitis and asthma. Additionally, AD has been found to be associated with an increased risk of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation (Yaghmaje, 2013). A link between AD and cardiovascular conditions (cardiovascular disease, coronary artery disease, and hypertension) has been acknowledged (Silverberg, 2015).
AD is complex condition with multiple contributing factors. A singular cause has not yet been uncovered, but rather each individual may have a varied constellation of factors that lead to their development of AD. At best, it can be considered to be a T-cell driven process with epidermal barrier dysfunction.
Keeping the diversity of contributing factors in mind, it is safe to say that a cookie-cutter approach may not always be appropriate or effective in managing AD. The integrative approach to managing atopic dermatitis takes into consideration factors that may predispose the individual to AD, factors that may exacerbate AD flares, current treatment guidelines, as well as proven alternative therapies on a case-by-case basis.
Diagnosing Atopic Dermatitis
When dealing with a patient with AD, a detailed patient history is imperative. Not only will this provide the basic information needed to make a diagnosis, but also gives the practitioner clues about which therapeutic route may be most beneficial. A diagnosis of AD can be made with a detailed patient history, a physical exam of the lesion(s) including morphology and distribution, and key symptoms (Berke, 2012). The U.K. Working Party’s Diagnostic Criteria for Atopic Dermatitis is commonly used when making a diagnosis (Russel, 2001).
U.K. Working Party’s Diagnostic Criteria for Atopic Dermatitis:
- Itchy skin
- At least 3 of the following:
- Onset under the age of two years
- A history of flexural involvement
- A history of asthma or hay fever/history of atopic disease in siblings and parents if the child is under 4 years
- A history of dry skin in the last year
- Visible flexural dermatitis
Common Causes of Atopic Dermatitis and Triggers
AD is a complex condition with multiple factors that can increase the incidence and further exacerbate it. These factors include: (1) genetics and family history; (2) cutaneous barrier dysfunction and increased permeability; (3) dysregulation of the immune system; (4) environmental factors; (5) digestive impairments; (6) nutritional deficiencies; and (7) stress (Maloh, 2022).
Genetic Factors in AD
The incidence of AD in infants is 2.6 times greater when there is a documented family history of atopy (8). The genetic predisposition of AD has been extensively studied, and over 30 genetic loci have been identified (Løset, 2019). Mutations in these genes can cause immune dysregulation and disruptions in the skin barrier (8). Each mutation increases the risk of developing AD by 40-50% (Palmer, 2008). Of all the genetic loci that have been identified, the strongest genetic risk factor is due to mutations of the filaggrin gene (4).
Filaggrin is a protein responsible for collecting keratin filaments which are subsequently cross-linked to create scaffolding for the extracellular lipid matrix on the outermost layers of the dermis (38). Proper skin barrier function is dependent on a functional filaggrin gene (Maloh, 2022). In addition to aggregating keratin filaments, the breakdown product of filaggrin is a component of natural moisturizing factors (NMFs) which play a role in the skin’s ability to retain moisture and maintain an acidic surface pH (5).
Mutations in the filaggrin gene disrupt the stratum corneum, making it more susceptible to infiltration by pathogens, allergens and toxins (Kawasaki, 2012). This lays the groundwork for a chronically inflamed environment. Initially, the infiltration causes a TH1 immune response which produces inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor beta (TNFB) (Traub, 2016). The presence of this inflammation paired with increased trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) compromises the protective effective of the skin barrier. If inflammation is present for long enough, the TH1 response switches to a TH2 response, represented by basophils, monocytes, eosinophils, and other cytokines that propagate inflammation and pruritus (Elias, 2009).
In addition to mutations in the filaggrin gene, other components that can affect the protective barrier including changes in lipid composition, increased skin pH, alterations in the skin microbiome, itching, and weakened tight junctions (Zhu, 2018).
AD and Diet
Dietary deficiencies and food allergies have long been posited as a contributing factor in atopic dermatitis. Individuals with atopic dermatitis are more likely to experience gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea, and vomiting compared to a control group (Caffarelli, 1998). On the flip side, individuals with functional gastrointestinal disorders, such as IBS and constipation, tend to have a higher prevalence of atopic dermatitis compared to individuals without (45).
While there seems to be a connection between digestive system and atopic dermatitis, it is poorly understood and there isn’t enough evidence to support current hypotheses. One popular thought is that there is a link between increased intestinal permeability (or “leaky gut”) and atopic dermatitis. Cytokines that are associated with atopic dermatitis (IL-4 and IL-13) have been found to up regulate claudin-2, a protein associated with intestinal permeability (Maloh, 2022). Another association that has been explored is food allergies and AD. There are studies that suggest that a disrupted skin barrier allows for allergens to penetrate the skin, leading to increased systemic inflammation and increased sensitization for food allergens (Bergmann, 2013). Foods that are commonly associated with atopic dermatitis are peanuts, dairy, and eggs (Burks, 1998)
Environmental Triggers
Atopic dermatitis is affected as much by the external environment as it is the internal. Various factors can decrease or worsen exacerbations, including humidity, temperature, and aeroallergen exposures.
Within the home environment, it can be helpful to keep a humidifier in the patient’s room (Gallay, 2020) and avoid air conditioning. While air conditioning hasn’t been found to worsen AD symptoms, it can weaken the skin barrier by increasing skin pH and reducing the degradation of filaggrin into NMFs (natural moisturizing factors) (Gallay 2020).
Exposure to phthalates, or a chemical additive to plastics, has also been linked with an increased incidence of AD (Wang, 2014). Phthalates can be found in multiple places within the home, including toys, food wrappings, cosmetics, and dust (Wang, 2014). It has been found that early exposure to monobenzyl phthalate is significantly associated with the development of AD (Wang, 2014). Similarly, there is a strong association with AD development and the exposure to butyl benzyl phthalate (Bornehahg, 2004). It is thought that phthalate may increase the incidence of AD because it stimulates the thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), a cytokine that triggers a TH2 response (Shigeno, 2009).
Therapeutic Interventions for Treating Eczema
The nature of atopic dermatitis is that it is a relapsing and remitting condition; there is no cure (Weinsteine, 2020). Conventional therapies aim at minimizing and controlling flares (Weinstein, 2020) while the holistic approach aims at restoring balance within the body and removing obstacles to cure.
Conventional Approach
The first-line therapy for mild-moderate atopic dermatitis is topical corticosteroids. The appropriate agent is selected based on factors such as patient age, areas of body treated, xerosis and patient preference (Weinstein, 2020). Typically, the selected agent will have a trial period of 1-2 weeks. If there is no improvement or response within that time, another agent or therapy can be selected. Other options that the practitioner has for mild-moderate atopic dermatitis include topical calcineurin inhibitors and topical PDE4 inhibitors. For refractory and severe AD, the practitioner can consider phototherapy with a broad- and narrowband UVB, biologic agents in patients over 12 years old, or other systemic agents such as methotrexate (Weinstein, 2020). The practitioner must proceed with caution when selecting a systemic agent due to significant adverse effects and the requirement of regular monitoring (Weinstein, 2020).
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine views healing through the lens of bringing balance to the body. The underlying pattern of atopic dermatitis is the combination of heat, damp, and wind, and thus herbs that have the energetic functions of cooling, drying, and dispelling wind are used. These herbs tend to have anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties (Chen, 2015). A common combination of herbs include Xiao Feng san – clear wind powder (Chen, 2016; Cheng, 2011). Depending on the underlying pattern of the atopic dermatitis, additional herbs can be added at the practitioners’ discretion.
| Heat and predominantly heat toxicity | Honeysuckle – jin yin hua
Anti-inflammatory and immuno-regulatory properties. (Muluye, 2014)
Combine with lian qiao. (Forsythia. Fruit) Anti-allergic and antibacterial. Properties (Sung, 2016; Kuo, 2014) |
| Damp and predominantly damp heat | Use the “three yellows” Huang qin, Huang lian, Huang bai
Antbiotic and anti-inflammatory effects |
| Severe damp heat and toxicity | Huang lian jie du tang – reduce toxicity; anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects (Zeng, 2009; Chen, 2016) |
Naturopathic Approach
The naturopathic approach to atopic dermatitis focuses on finding the root cause of the individuals’ AD, removing obstacles/barriers to healing, and supporting the body’s natural ability to heal itself. In a given patient, that may look like adding supplements/herbs/nutrient-rich foods to overcome any deficiencies and to stimulating healing; adapting the external environment to remove/reduce triggers; providing options for stress reduction; and offering topical therapies to bring relief to existing lesions.
The following table of treatments is adapted from the suggestions of Maloh, et al. While it is by no means a conclusive list, it offers practical therapies that can be used on their own or in conjunction with conventional topical therapies.
| Type of Intervention | Intervention | Dose | Rationale |
| Oral Supplementation | L-histidine
(Tan, 2017) |
4g. Per day for 8 weeks | – Increased filaggrin formation
– Improved in skin barrier function – Decreased AD severity after 4 weeks of treatment |
| L-glutamine
(Achamrah, 2017; Yarnell, 2011) |
3g-10g TID | – Decreased intestinal inflammation
– Increased protein synthesis in the intestinal epithelium |
|
| Probiotics
(Li, 2019) |
Consider the strains Lactobacilus, Bifidobacterium, Propionibacterium
1 capsule daily for 12 weeks |
– Supplement during gestation and into the first 6 month
– Reduced SCORAD* index score – Reduced topical steroid use |
|
| Vitamin D
(Ghanem, 2017) (Samochoki, 2013) |
Pediatrics: 500 IU daily
Adults: 2000 IU daily |
– Reduced SCORAD scores after 1 month of treatment for children, and after 3 months of treatment for adults | |
| Vitamin E
(Jaffary, 2015) |
400 IU for 4 months | – Reduced pruritis
– Reduced lesion spread – Reduced SCORAD scores |
|
| Hempseed oil
(Callaway, 2005) |
30 mL (2 tbsp) daily for 8 weeks | – Reduced pruritis
– Reduced xerosis – Reduced TEWL (water loss) |
|
| Herbal Treatments | Demulcent herbs are rich in mucilage (a carbohydrate extracted as a viscous/gelatinous solution) and have been used traditionally to soothe inflamed internal tissues. (Romm, 2017).
Examples of demulcent herbs include: – Slippery Elm (Ulmus fulvus) – Marshmallow (Altheha off.) |
||
| Stress Reduction Strategies | Stress reduction strategies such as progressive muscular relaxation, massage, etc. have been shown to improve quality of life and decrease discomfort | ||
| Relaxation techniques | – Progressive muscular relaxation decreased severity of itch and improve sleep after 1 month (Bae, 2012)
– Autogenic training** led to reduction of topical steroid use after 1 year (Kimata, 2006) |
||
| Physical affection | – 30 minutes of physical touch with a partner (e.g. hugging, kissing) while listening to soft music caused a decrease in chemicals that lead to allergen-based symptoms (Kimata, 2006) | ||
| Massage | – Massage with essential oils may improve symptoms for children with atopic dermatitis (Anderson, 2000) | ||
| Behavioural Therapy | – Cognitive behavioral therapy leads to a significantly larger improvement over standard topical therapy for atopic dermatitis (Ehlers, 1995)
– Combining patient education lifestyle options along with CBT reduced the use of topical steroid (Ehlers, 1995) |
||
| Topical Treatments | Vitamin B12 | 2-3 times a day in the evening and at bedtime for 12 weeks (Nistico, 2017)
Twice daily (in the morning and evening) for 8 weeks (Stücker, 2004)
Twice daily for 4 weeks (Januchowski, 2009) |
– Reduced SCORAD index, pruritis, severity/extent of AD |
| Sunflower seed oil | 6 drops of sunflower seed oil 2 times a day for 4 weeks (Danby, 2013)
2% sunflower oleodistillate cream 2 times a day for 3 weeks (De Belilovsky, 2011) |
– Increased skin hydration, improved quality of life
– Reduced SCORAD index, xerosis, and extent of lesions |
|
| Borage oil
(Kanehara, 2007) |
Cotton undershirts soaked in borage oil to be worn every day for 2 weeks | – Reduced erythema, pruritis, and TEWL | |
- SCORAD index – clinical tool used to evaluate the extent and severity of eczema
** autogenic training – series of exercises that involve removal of external stimuli/distractions, verbal/mental repetition of commands, focus on inner sensations
References
Achamrah N, Déchelotte P, Coëffier M. Glutamine and the regulation of intestinal permeability: from bench to bedside. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2017;20(1):86-91. doi:10.1097/MCO.0000000000000339
Anderson C, Lis-Balchin M, Kirk-Smith M. Evaluation of massage with essential oils on childhood atopic eczema. Phytother Res.2000;14(6):452-456; PMID: 10960901.
Bergmann MM, Caubet J-C, Boguniewicz M, Eigenmann PA. Evaluation of food allergy in patients with atopic dermatitis. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2013;1(1):22-28. doi:10.1016/j.jaip.2012.11.005
Berke R, Singh A, Guralnick M. Atopic dermatitis: an overview. Am Fam Physician. 2012;86(1):35-42.
Bieber T. Atopic dermatitis. N Engl J Med. 2008;358(14):1483-1494. doi:10.1056/NEJMra074081
Bornehag C-G, Sundell J, Weschler CJ, et al. The Association between Asthma and Allergic Symptoms in Children and Phthalates in House Dust: A Nested Case–Control Study. Environ Health Perspect. 2004;112(14):1393-1397. doi:10.1289/ehp.7187
Burks AW, Williams LW, Mallory SB, Shirrell MA, Williams C. Peanut Protein as a Major Cause of Adverse Food Reactions in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis. Allergy Asthma Proc. 1989;10(4):265-269. doi:10.2500/108854189778960045
Caffarelli C, Cavagni G, Deriu FM, Zanotti P, Atherton DJ. Gastrointestinal symptoms in atopic eczema. Arch Dis Child. 1998;78(3):230-234. doi:10.1136/adc.78.3.230
Callaway J, Schwab U, Harvima I, et al. Efficacy of dietary hempseed oil in patients with atopic dermatitis. J Dermatol Treat. 2005;16(2):87-94. doi:10.1080/09546630510035832
Chen HY et al. Use of traditional Chinese medicine reduces exposure to corticosteroid among atopic dermatitis children: a 1-year follow-up cohort study. J Ethnopharmacol. 2015;159:189-196; PMID: 25449448.
Chen HY et al. Identifying Chinese herbal medicine network for treating acne: Implications from a nationwide database. J Ethnopharmacol. 2016;179:1-8; PMID: 26721214.
Chen HY et al. Identifying chinese herbal medicine network for eczema: implications from a nationwide prescription database. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med.2015;2015:347164; PMID: 25685167.
Cheng HM et al. The efficacy and safety of a Chinese herbal product (Xiao-Feng-San) for the treatment of refractory atopic dermatitis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Int Arch Allergy Immunol. 2011;155(2):141-148; PMID: 21196758.
Danby SG, AlEnezi T, Sultan A, et al. Effect of Olive and Sunflower Seed Oil on the Adult Skin Barrier: Implications for Neonatal Skin Care. Pediatr Dermatol. 2013;30(1):42-50. doi:10.1111/j.1525-1470.2012.01865.x
De Belilovsky C, Roo-Rodriguez E, Baudouin C, Menu F, Chadoutaud B, Msika P. Natural peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha agonist cream demonstrates similar therapeutic response to topical steroids in atopic dermatitis. J Dermatol Treat. 2011;22(6):359-365. doi:10.3109/09546634.2010.499932
Ehlers A, Stangier U, Gieler U. Treatment of atopic dermatitis: a comparison of psychological and dermatological approaches to relapse prevention. J Consult Clin Psychol.1995;63(4):624-635; PMID: 7673540.
Elias PM, Schmuth M. Abnormal skin barrier in the etiopathogenesis of atopic dermatitis. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol. 2009;9(5):437-446.
Gallay C, Meylan P, Mermoud S, et al. Genetic predisposition and environmental factors associated with the development of atopic dermatitis in infancy: a prospective birth cohort study. Eur J Pediatr. Published online March 6, 2020. doi:10.1007/s00431-020-03616-5
Ghanem BM, Salem HA, Marzouk HF, Ismail AEY. Serum vitamin D level in Egyptian children with atopic dermatitis and efficacy of vitamin D supplementation: J Egypt Womenʼs Dermatol Soc. 2017;14(3):190-196. doi:10.1097/01.EWX.0000516170.33041.a5
Herbarth O, Fritz GJ, Rehwagen M, Richter M, Röder S, Schlink U. Association between indoor renovation activities and eczema in early childhood. Int J Hyg Environ Health. 2006;209(3):241-247. doi:10.1016/j.ijheh.2006.01.003
Jaffary F, Faghihi G, Mokhtarian A, Hosseini S. Effects of oral vitamin E on treatment of atopic dermatitis: A randomized controlled trial. J Res Med Sci. 2015;20(11):1053. doi:10.4103/1735-1995.172815
Januchowski R. Evaluation of Topical Vitamin B 12 for the Treatment of Childhood Eczema. J Altern Complement Med. 2009;15(4):387-389. doi:10.1089/acm.2008.0497
Jedrychowski W, Perera F, Maugeri U, et al. Effects of Prenatal and Perinatal Exposure to Fine Air Pollutants and Maternal Fish Consumption on the Occurrence of Infantile Eczema. Int Arch Allergy Immunol. 2011;155(3):275-281. doi:10.1159/000320376
Kanehara S, Ohtani T, Uede K, Furukawa F. Clinical effects of undershirts coated with borage oil on children with atopic dermatitis: A double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial: Effects of borage oil coated undershirts on AD. J Dermatol. 2007;34(12):811-815. doi:10.1111/j.1346-8138.2007.00391.x
Kawasaki, H et al. Altered stratum corneum barrier and enhanced percutaneous immune responses in Filaggrin-null mice.
Kimata H. Kissing selectively decreases allergen-specific IgE production in atopic patients. J Psychosom Res.2006;60(5):545-547; PMID: 16650596.
Li L, Han Z, Niu X, et al. Probiotic Supplementation for Prevention of Atopic Dermatitis in Infants and Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2019;20(3):367-377. doi:10.1007/s40257-018-0404-3
Løset M et al. Genetics of Atopic Dermatitis: From DNA Sequence to Clinical Relevance. Dermatology. 2019;235(5):355-364. doi:10.1159/000500402
Maloh, J et al. Naturopathic Approach to Atopic Dermatitis. LearnSkin. January 2022. Course.
Muluye, R et al. Anti-inflammatory and Antimicrobial Effects of Heat-Clearing Chinese Herbs: A Current Review. J Tradit Complement Med.2014;4(2):93-98; PMID: 24860732.
Nistico SP, Del Duca E, Tamburi F, et al. Superiority of a vitamin B12-barrier cream compared with standard glycerol-petrolatum-based emollient cream in the treatment of atopic dermatitis: A randomized, left-to-right comparative trial. Dermatol Ther. 2017;30(5):e12523. doi:10.1111/dth.12523
Palmer CN, Irvine AD, Terron-Kwiatkowski A, et al. Common loss-of-function variants of the epidermal barrier protein filaggrin are a major predisposing factor for atopic dermatitis. Nat Genet. 2006;38(4):441-446.
Romm A. Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health. 2n edition. Elsevier; 2017.
Russel, G et al. An Application of the United Kingdom Working Party Diagnostic Criteria for Atopic Dermatitis in Scottish Infants. Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 2011; 117(6): 1526-1530.
Samochocki Z, Bogaczewicz J, Jeziorkowska R, et al. Vitamin D effects in atopic dermatitis. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2013;69(2):238-244. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2013.03.014
Shigeno T, Katakuse M, Fujita T, Mukoyama Y, Watanabe H. Phthalate ester-induced thymic stromal lymphopoietin mediates allergic dermatitis in mice. Immunology. 2009;128(1pt2):e849-e857. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2567.2009.03094.x
Silverberg JI. Association between adult atopic dermatitis, cardiovascular disease, and increased heart attacks in three population-based studies. Allergy. 2015;70(10):1300-1308.
Stücker M, Pieck C, Stoerb C, Niedner R, Hartung J, Altmeyer P. Topical vitamin B12–a new therapeutic approach in atopic dermatitis-evaluation of efficacy and tolerability in a randomized placebo-controlled multicentre clinical trial. Br J Dermatol. 2004;150(5):977-983. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.2004.05866.x
Sung Y et al. Forsythia suspensa fruit extracts and the constituent matairesinol confer anti-allergic effects in an allergic dermatitis mouse model. J Ethnopharmacol.2016;187:49-56; PMID: 27085937.
Tan SP, Brown SB, Griffiths C, Weller R, Gibbs NK. Feeding filaggrin: effects of L-histidine supplementation in atopic dermatitis. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2017;Volume 10:403-411. doi:10.2147/CCID.S146760
Traub, M. Atopic Dermatitis: Treating the Causes Yields Success. Naturopathic Doctor News & Review. May 6, 2016.
Wang I-J, Lin C-C, Lin Y-J, Hsieh W-S, Chen P-C. Early life phthalate exposure and atopic disorders in children: A prospective birth cohort study. Environ Int. 2014;62:48-54. doi:10.1016/j.envint.2013.09.002
Weinstein, M., et al. Atopic Dermatitis: A Practical Guide to Management 2020. Eczema Society of Canada.
Yaghmaje P, et al. Mental health comorbidity in patients with atopic dermatitis. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2013;131(2):428-433.
Yarnell E. Natural Approach to Gastroenterology. Healing Mountain Pub.; 2011.
Zhu TH, Zhu TR, Tran KA, Sivamani RK, Shi VY. Epithelial barrier dysfunctions in atopic dermatitis: a skin-gut-lung model linking microbiome alteration and immune dysregulation. Br J Dermatol. 2018;179(3):570-581. doi:10.1111/bjd.16734
DR. Esha singh is is a naturopathic doctor practicing in Vancouver, BC. She has a clinical focus in skin health and uses an integrative approach to clinical dermatology. Dr. Esha strives to make information on skin health simple and accessible.
Print this page
