Title:Atopic Dermatitis: Conventional and Integrative Medicine
Volume: 18
Issue: 2
Author(s): Kam Lun Hon*, Samantha Chu, Alexander K.C. Leung and Alex Wong
Affiliation:
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhou, Hong Kong
- Department of Paediatrics
and Adolescent Medicine, The Hong Kong Children’s Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Keywords:
Atopic dermatitis, complementary and alternative medicine, eczema, cultural difference, integrative medicine, traditional chinese medicine.
Abstract: Although Western medicine and ideas about atopic dermatitis (AD) have become popular
in many Asian countries, local beliefs about the disease and its treatment often prevail. The multi-
racial background of these countries as well as the influence of the diverse religions (such as Taoism
and Ramadan) in these regions often lead to diverse belief systems about the causes of AD
(such as the Chi concept, also known as the balance of yin and yang) and the types of treatment
(e.g. herbal remedies, topical versus concoctions, and decoctions). In addition, many of the cultural
practices are preserved among the Southeast Asian minorities residing in the United Kingdom and
North America. Eastern treatments typically take a holistic approach to AD and emphasize the psychosomatic
component of the disorder. This overview provides a summary of the difference between
conventional, complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine in terms of epidemiology,
aetiology, therapy, and prognosis in children with AD. There are a number of similarities in genetic
and environmental factors in epidemiology and aetiology; however, differences exist in terms
of the concept of management. Complementary and alternative medicine, traditional Chinese
medicine, and integrative medicine usage are not only prevalent among the Asian population but
are also becoming more popular and accepted in Western societies.