Traditional herbal approaches to treating skin inflammation and dermatitis: An overview

Atopic dermatitis is a long terms inflammatory skin disorder that repeatedly flares up and is mainly marked by severe itching and eczema, like skin lesion. From an epidemiological perspective, it is quite common, affecting around 20% of children and about 10% of adults worldwide, with higher rates reported in developed and industrialized countries. The development of atopic dermatitis is complex and results from the interaction of multiple factors, including genetic predisposition, impaired skin barrier function, and immune system imbalance. A major genetic factor involves mutations in the filaggrin gene, which weaken the skin’s protective barrier. This leads to increased water loss through the skin and allows allergens and irritants to penetrate more easily. As a result, the immune system becomes activated, especially through a type 2 helper T cell (Th2) response, which releases inflammatory cytokines such as IL4 and IL13. These immune reactions contribute to ongoing inflammation, itching and skin damage. Diagnosis of atopic dermatitis is mainly based on clinical evaluation. Doctors commonly use established guidelines such as the Hanifin and Rajka criteria or the UK working party criteria. These focus on the appearance and distribution of skin lesions along with a patient’s history of allergic conditions. Management of AD follows a stepwise and preventive approach. The first line of treatment includes regular use of moisturizers (emollients) to strengthen and repair the skin barrier. During flare up, topical corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors are commonly used to reduce inflammation. In more severe cases, systemic treatments and advanced biologic therapies, such as dupilumab, have significantly improved outcomes by targeting key inflammatory pathways involved in the disease. Skin barrier defects interact with immune system overactivity is essential for developing personalized treatment strategies. This helps in better disease control and improves the long terms quality of life for individuals affected by atopic dermatitis.