Atopic eczema in children with no other medical conditions from 1 to 10 years: the choice between medical and alternative treatments: A quantitative Structured Literature Review Protocol.

Abstract

Abstract:

Research Aim: to analyse and evaluate the effectiveness of Topical Corticosteroids (TCS), emollients, and alternative therapies such as coconut oil, sunflower seed oil, and sea salt baths in reducing eczema for children who age 1 to 10 years. Background: the prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) is significant, specifically during childhood mor than adulthood. It affects about 20% of children worldwide and there is no final cure for this condition. The health-related quality of life is significantly affected by AD as it can be seen in sleep disturbance, social isolation, day-time sleepiness, and cognitive problem such as depression and anxiety for both children and their parents. Methods: the structured literature review (SLR) analysed and evaluated five randomised control trials (RCTs) of different methods used to manage AD and reduce its severity. These trials were chosen according to specific criteria, for instance, the studies that included topical treatments of TCS, emollients or alternative treatment like oils to treat AD for children and published between 2014 to 2019 were included. In addition, the search process was conducted by using electronic databases such as CENTRAL and PubMed. Results: this review included five studies with 1132 total number of participants, the studies that examined TCS failed to achieve their aim due to insufficient results and participants number, meanwhile the emollients studies showed they are essential and effected toward AD treatments, lastly the virgin coconut oil resulted in significant results in reducing AD intensity. Conclusion: the review revealed that different methods are effective in managing AD severity and flares and some authors suggest the combination between TCS and emollients could be more effective. Even though some included studies did not meet the aim of this review, some did achieve the aim with significant results. As noticed that alternative treatment lack of trails, further studies need to focus in testing their effectiveness in regard of enhance AD severity.