Abstract |
Of 60 patients with atopic dermatitis (30 males and 30 females, 15-30 years old) 30 were treated with gamma-linolenic acid of (C18:3 n-6) at a dosage of 274 mg twice a day; the other 30 patients were given placebo. The patients were treated for 12 weeks, during which their symptoms were assessed on a linear scale both by a dermatologist and by themselves every 4 weeks. The patients who received gamma-linolenic acid, showed gradual improvements in pruritus, erythema, vesiculation and oozing, which were statistically significant compared with the control group (P < 0.001). Only one patient had presented with scaling at the beginning of the study and this symptom appeared to be less influenced by the effects of gamma-linolenic acid. The assessments of symptoms made by the dermatologist were generally consistent with those made by the patients themselves. gamma-linolenic acid was found to be effective and without side-effects for the treatment of atopic dermatitis.
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Authors | M Andreassi, P Forleo, A Di Lorio, S Masci, G Abate, P Amerio |
Journal | The Journal of international medical research
(J Int Med Res)
1997 Sep-Oct
Vol. 25
Issue 5
Pg. 266-74
ISSN: 0300-0605 [Print] England |
PMID | 9364289
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Controlled Clinical Trial, Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Placebos
- gamma-Linolenic Acid
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Topics |
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Dermatitis, Atopic
(complications, drug therapy)
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Placebos
- Pruritus
(etiology, pathology)
- Severity of Illness Index
- Time Factors
- gamma-Linolenic Acid
(adverse effects, therapeutic use)
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