Optimizing Atopic Dermatitis Management: Insights into Dietary and Lifestyle Interventions

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a prevalent, chronic inflammatory skin condition that significantly affects patients’ quality of life. Current treatments in most parts of the world typically include topical corticosteroids (TCS) and other immune-modulating or suppressing drugs, which can often have adverse effects. Since patients are often not offered alternative solutions to manage their AD, misuse of TCS in hopes of symptom relief prevails. This review aims to consolidate and evaluate the current literature on non-pharmaceutical interventions for managing AD, focusing on dietary adjustments, intake of various nutrients and nutraceuticals, the external environment, and lifestyle factors such as sleep and stress. Dietary approaches emphasize an anti-inflammatory diet with avoidance of trigger foods, as well as intake of nutrients such as omega-3 polyunsaturated acids (n-3 PUFAs), polyphenols, vitamins D and E, and zinc. Probiotics are useful in diversifying the gut microbiome, which can contribute to reducing systemic inflammation. The external environment also plays a role, with urban environments leading to heightened AD incidence and climate factors also being influential. High-quality sleep and stress management techniques are key for mitigating flares and helping patients. Other alternative complimentary modalities such as herbal remedies and acupuncture have been used for centuries to help manage and treat AD, offering a unique perspective of the condition. By highlighting a more holistic approach, this review seeks to empower patients to consider a number of factors that should be considered in crafting their personalized AD treatment approach, offering a comprehensive framework for understanding how an integrative approach can be effectively utilized.