Holist Nurs Pract. 2003 Jan-Feb; 17(1): 56-62.

An integrative approach to eczema (atopic dermatitis).

Ross SM.

Certified Nutritional Consultant Faculty, Drexel University Nursing and Health Professions CE, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.

This article provides an integrative treatment protocol for eczema (atopic dermatitis) using natural therapies. The protocol addresses several primary causative factors such as essential fatty acid deficiency and food allergies. In addition, it identifies a patented chamomile preparation proven in clinical studies to be as effective as hydrocortisone in relieving associated symptoms of itching and inflammation while enhancing granulation and epithelialization without deleterious side effects associated with long-term use of corticosteroid therapy.