Premium
What's new in atopic eczema? An analysis of systematic reviews published in 2012 and 2013. Part 2. Treatment and prevention
Author(s) -
Madhok V.,
Futamura M.,
Thomas K. S.,
Barbarot S.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
clinical and experimental dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.587
H-Index - 78
eISSN - 1365-2230
pISSN - 0307-6938
DOI - 10.1111/ced.12591
Subject(s) - medicine , dermatology , atopic dermatitis , systematic review , medline , intensive care medicine , pediatrics , political science , law
Summary This review provides a summary of key findings from 22 systematic reviews on atopic eczema ( AE ) published over the 2‐year period from January 2012 to 31 December 2013, focusing on prevention and treatment of AE . For an update of systematic reviews on the epidemiology, mechanisms of disease and methodological issues, see Part 1 of this update. Based on current systematic review evidence, the most promising intervention for the prevention of AE is the use of probiotics (and possibly prebiotics) during the late stages of pregnancy and early life. Exposure to household pets, especially dogs, may also be protective, but exclusive breastfeeding for up to 7 months does not confer benefit. The role of vitamin D in preventing AE is currently unclear. Very few of the systematic reviews provided additional evidence for the use of specific treatments for AE . Further research is required to establish the role of desensitization, C hinese herbal medicines, homeopathy and specialist clothing. Nevertheless, there is now clear evidence that evening primrose oil and borage oil are not effective for the treatment of AE . There have been no randomized controlled trials on the use of H 1 anti‐histamines as monotherapy for the treatment of AE .