Alternative therapy for atopic dermatitis and psoriasis: patient-reported motivation, information source and effect.

In a questionnaire study, 227 patients with atopic dermatitis and 215 with psoriasis, who had used alternative medicine, were asked to state their main reason for trying alternative medicine. The answers indicated that the absence of satisfactory effect of physician-provided therapy was the most decisive factor. Their main information sources on alternative therapies were persons without skin disease, and the mass media. The majority reported no improvement, or even aggravation of their skin disease, as a result of alternative treatments (except for diet changes). These findings emphasize the need for documentation of effect of alternative medicine, as well as for further research and education efforts in order to improve therapy for atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.