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. 2017 Sep;28(6):523-538.
doi: 10.1080/09546634.2016.1278071. Epub 2017 Jan 24.

Dietary modifications in atopic dermatitis: patient-reported outcomes

Adi Nosrati  1 , Ladan Afifi  1 , Melissa J Danesh  1 , Kristina Lee  1 , Di Yan  1 , Kourosh Beroukhim  1 , Richard Ahn  1 , Wilson Liao  1
Affiliations

Dietary modifications in atopic dermatitis: patient-reported outcomes

Adi Nosrati et al. J Dermatolog Treat. 2017 Sep.

Abstract

Background: Patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) commonly turn to dietary modifications to manage their skin condition.

Objectives: To investigate patient-reported outcomes and perceptions regarding the role of diet in AD.

Methods: One hundred and sixty nine AD patients were surveyed in this cross-sectional study. The 61-question survey asked about dietary modifications, perceptions and outcomes.

Results: Eighty seven percent of participants reported a trial of dietary exclusion. The most common were junk foods (68%), dairy (49.7%) and gluten (49%). The best improvement in skin was reported when removing white flour products (37 of 69, 53.6%), gluten (37 of 72, 51.4%) and nightshades (18 of 35, 51.4%). 79.9% of participants reported adding items to their diet. The most common were vegetables (62.2%), fish oil (59.3%) and fruits (57.8%). The best improvement in skin was noted when adding vegetables (40 of 84, 47.6%), organic foods (17 of 43, 39.5%) and fish oil (28 of 80, 35%). Although 93.5% of patients believed it was important that physicians discuss with them the role of diet in managing skin disease, only 32.5% had consulted their dermatologist.

Conclusions: Since dietary modifications are extremely common, the role of diet in AD and potential nutritional benefits and risks need to be properly discussed with patients.

Keywords: Atopic dermatitis; diet; patient-reported outcomes.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflict of interest. There have been no prior presentations of this material.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Reported triggers for worsening atopic dermatitis.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Reported foods that improve atopic dermatitis.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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