Treatment of Severe and Moderately Severe Atopic Dermatitis with Evening Primrose Oil (Epogam): a Multi-centre Study

Abstract

An open, uncontrolled trial of the value of a selected variety of evening primrose oil (Epogamr` Scotia Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Guildford, Surrey GU1 1BA) in severe and moderately severe atopic dermatitis was conducted in 13 centres. Evening primrose oil was used in 179 patients of whom 111 showed improvement in their overall condition. Improvement was noted in all aspects of the disease and many patients were able to reduce their use of oral steroids, antibiotics and antihistamines and of potent topical steroids. Evening primrose oil is a useful addition to the range of treatments for severe atopic dermatitis.