Atopic dermatitis management in the era of integrative medicine

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common chronic inflammatory skin condition. It has significant socioeconomic consequences and complex pathophysiology, necessitating updated management guidelines that consider the age, sex and geographic location of patients. Despite the widespread use of Western medicine (WM), including topical corticosteroids, as the primary treatment for AD, the possible negative effects of WM therapies are inescapable. Although there is still a lack of strong evidence, the integration of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with WM may yield a more favorable therapeutic response for AD than WM alone, due to the synergistic effects involved. Balancing the application of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches from TCM and WM is crucial for the management of AD, enhancing treatment efficacy for patients, and averting disease recurrence. In 2025, a new clinical guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of AD was released; it emphasized the integration of TCM with WM. This guideline is crucial as it consolidates global expertise and data to provide a standardized framework for the practical integration of techniques to bridge divides among clinical disciplines. As more substantial data emerge, the development and enhancement of integrative medicine for AD management should be prioritized globally, particularly in Asian regions. Please cite this article as: Chen M, Liao WQ. Atopic dermatitis management in the era of integrative medicine. J Integr Med. 2026; 24(2):137-139.