Abstract
The epidemiological importance of chronic dermatitis is constantly growing, this pathology being more and more common regardless of age, in most countries of the world. The pathogenesis of chronic dermatitis is complex and involves aeroallergens, immunological, dietary, climatic and psychosomatic factors. Due to the frequent recurrences but also the side effects of allopathic medicines, the number of patients with chronic dermatitis who opt for alternative treatments is increasing. In this paper we have identified allopathic topical treatments versus alternative topical treatments used in chronic dermatitis for which there is scientific evidence. The PubMed and Research Gate databases were analysed, the analysed period being 2007 – 2019. The search criteria were “chronic dermatitis”, “atopic dermatitis”, “psoriasis”, “alternative treatments”, “natural treatments”, “complementary treatments”,” treatments for chronic dermatitis”. We also analysed the mechanisms of action of drugs or active substances used as well as side effects secondary to allopathic and alternative therapies. New treatment options in atopic dermatitis, currently under evaluation, are topical inhibitors of phosphodiesterase and Janus kinase. For patients with chronic dermatitis who want alternative therapies to allopathic ones, there are products based on oat (Rhealba variety), camphor leaves, hydroxytyrosol, enzymatically interstered fats etc.