New Research into Atopic Eczema

Viewpoint at Glenashdale Falls

Sannox Bay

Atopic Eczema - What's New? A review of the condition was published in the July edition of CED (Clinical and Experimental Dermatology) by Dr Donna Torley from the department of dermatology at the Southern General in Glasgow (my local hospital). A systematic review of the key findings from 24 summaries published between August 2010 and December 2011. Here are some of the key findings:

Epidemiology: antibiotic use in early life may increase risk of atopic eczema whereas exposure to dogs and consumption of unpasteurised milk may reduce risk. There is no strong evidence that exclusive breastfeeding, hydrolysed protein formulas, soy formulas or fatty-acid supplements help to prevent atopic eczema.

Treatment: In patients with moderate to severe disease, pro-active treatment with topical corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors can be used to prevent flares. An example of this which has been tried is 'weekend therapy' which consists of preventative topical therapy being applied on two consecutive days each week (such as the weekend) to prevent flares.

Patient education about the condition produced mixed results with no high quality randomised trials to compare effectiveness and make reliable conclusions. Also in treatment, tacrolimus was shown to have a comparable efficacy to mild to moderate topical corticosteroids. There was little evidence found to support the use of coal tar in the management of the condition. Again, the lack of large and well designed randomised controlled trials led the authors to conclude that there was no clear evidence for the efficacy of homeopathy, botanical extracts or Chinese herbal medicines in the treatment of atopic eczema.

Also, a couple of photos from last weekend in Arran - great weather, food and company meaning a fantastic weekend away!