Common eczema treatment may provide little benefit, study finds
- A recent study indicates that prescribing antihistamines for eczema symptoms offers no significant benefit and may “probably increase harms”.
- Experts have welcomed these findings, which address “longstanding uncertainty” regarding the medications’ role, and are now urging for updated medical guidance.
- Despite existing recommendations from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) against routine use, approximately one in five eczema patients in the UK currently use antihistamines.
- A review of 47 trials involving over 6,200 patients found antihistamines led to a “clinically unimportant reduction” in eczema severity and itchiness, and may not reduce sleep disturbance or flare-ups.
- The study also highlighted that first-generation antihistamines can increase cognitive impairment and potentially lead to patients discontinuing treatment due to side effects.
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