Korean J Asthma Allergy Clin Immunol.  2005 Jun;25(2):110-116.

A Study on the Use of Complementary Alternative Medicine in Children with Atopic Dermatitis

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Complementary alternative medicine (CAM) has been commonly used for adults and children, although there is little evidence of effectiveness. In addition, concerns about the adverse effects of CAM keep increasing.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the nature and prevalence of CAM used in infants and young children with atopic dermatitis. METHOD: A total of 130 infants and children with atopic dermatitis were recruited. Atopic dermatitis was diagnosed by Hanifin's criteria. Parents were asked to complete the questionnaires on the use of CAM. RESULT: Approximately 87.6% of children used CAM for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Most commonly used therapies were herbal remedies, organic food diet, and soft water bath. There was no statistically significant difference in the age, duration of illness, and socio-demographic background of parents between children who did or did not use CAM. CONCLUSION: A variety of CAM is being used in a substantial proportion of children with atopic dermatitis. Thorough investigation of benifits and risks of CAM are required for better treatment and education of caretakers or children with atopic dermatitis.

MeSH Terms

Adult
Baths
Child*
Complementary Therapies*
Dermatitis, Atopic*
Diet
Education
Food, Organic
Humans
Infant
Parents
Prevalence
Water
Surveys and Questionnaires
Water