PEDIATRIC ATOPIC DERMATITIS: UTILIZING OMT AS AN ADJUNCT TREATMENT

AbstractAtopic dermatitis is a common, chronic, inflammatory skin condition that can affect people of any age. The etiology of atopic dermatitis is multi-factorial, with genetics, environment, and impaired immune response as predominant factors. Because atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory process that results in somatic dysfunction, the dermatologist can use osteopathic manipulative techniques as adjunct tools in pediatric atopic dermatitis management. Here we describe osteopathic manipulative treatments that may aid in the management of pediatric atopic dermatitis.

Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis: Utilizing OMT as an Adjunct TreatmentAlexa R. Leone, DO,* Michael P. Rowane, DO, MS, FAAFP, FAAO,** Jenifer R. Lloyd, DO***

*Traditional Intern, University Hospitals Richmond Medical Center, Cleveland, OH**Associate Clinical Professor of Family Medicine and Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University; Director of Medical Education, University Hospitals Regional Hospitals; Director of Osteopathic Medical Education, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH ***Director, Dermatology Residency Program, University Hospitals Regional Hospitals; Department of Dermatology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH

Disclosures: NoneCorrespondence: Michael P Rowane, DO; micheal.rowane@uhhospitals.org

IntroductionAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic and relapsing, pruritic, inflammatory disease occurring most frequently in children, though it also affects adults.1

Atopic dermatitis is often associated with a personal or family history of allergies, rhinitis, and asthma. In the past 30 years, the prevalence of AD has almost tripled in developed countries. In the United States, the highest prevalence occurs on the east coast and in Utah, Idaho, and Nevada. African American race and an education level beyond high school are significantly associated with a higher prevalence of eczema.1,2 Approximately 15 percent to 30 percent of children and 2 percent to 10 percent of adults are affected.1-3 Early onset is common, with up to 60 percent of patients affected during the first year of life, and 90 percent affected by age 5.3 Less than 10 percent of AD patients first develop symptoms as an adult.1,3 Seventy percent to 90 percent of children have resolution of the disease by adulthood.

It is important to recognize that AD may have a significant impact on the morbidity and quality of life in the pediatric population. Continual scratching at night can lead to an average of 1.9 hours of lost sleep per night for the patient, and 2.1 hours of lost sleep per night for the family.4 Patients with a visible skin disorder may suffer socially, and the need for frequent doctor visits and applications of topical medications may interfere with daily life. Central obesity and ADHD have been loosely associated with atopic dermatitis, as have daytime tiredness, dependence, irritability, and fearfulness.3,4 The severity of atopic dermatitis has been correlated with depression, stress, and anxiety, which may have a negative effect on the immune system due to increases in cortisol levels.5

Like any chronic disease, the financial burdens of management are immense. One study concluded that the personal financial cost of managing atopic dermatitis was greater than that of managing asthma.4 The same study found that families of children with moderate or severe AD had significantly higher family scores than families of diabetic children.

By looking at AD through an osteopathic lens, dermatologists can recognize the impact of atopic dermatitis on a patient’s overall wellbeing. Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is a non-invasive, manual form of treatment by which physicians can apply osteopathic principles and practices to atopic dermatitis. Here, we look at atopic dermatitis in the pediatric population as a source of somatic dysfunction, affecting not only the visible skin but also the immune system, surrounding fascia, lymphatic system, and patients’ mental and emotional wellbeing. We review and discuss OMT

techniques that can serve as adjunct treatments for atopic dermatitis, recognizing that further research is needed to study their effectiveness and value.

Background and PresentationThe term “atopic dermatitis” and “eczema” are often used interchangeably and can be thought of as the same diagnosis. However, eczema is more strictly defined as a reaction pattern of the skin, which in children is most commonly caused by atopic dermatitis.1 Other causes of an eczematous pattern of reaction include irritant contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, asteatotic eczema, and lichen simplex chronicus.1,2

The diagnosis of AD is made clinically and is based on the distribution of lesions, morphology, histologic findings, and associated clinical signs.1,3 A complete history and physical is needed to aid in diagnosis and treatment. The most widely used and accepted diagnostic criteria, created in 1980 by Hanifin and Raijka, were revised in 2003 by the American Academy of Dermatology to include an approach to AD that is suitable for diagnosis in infants, children, and adults (Table 1).1,3 Depending on the patient

age and presentation, it may be necessary to conduct further testing, such as serum immunoglobulin E, patch testing, fungal testing, and genetic testing, to rule out other common conditions.

PathogenesisAlthough much is known about the immunology behind atopic dermatitis, there is no reliable biomarker for diagnosis of the disease. It is known that serum levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) may be elevated in patients with AD; however, about 20 percent of patients have normal serum IgE levels and no allergen reactivity.1-3,6 Elevated IgE levels are non-specific and can be found in 55 percent of the general population. IgE levels have not been found to be correlated with activity levels of the disease, and therefore can only be considered supporting evidence for the diagnosis.1,3,6 Increased blood eosinophils and tissue mast cells have also been studied, but are neither sensitive nor specific for AD.4,6,7 Several factors suggest that AD patients have reduced T-cell-mediated immunity. Many T-lymphocyte subsets, cytokines and chemokines are altered in AD, including CD-30 serum levels, macrophage-derived chemoattractant, interleukins-12, -16, -18, and -31, and thymus and

Table 1. Diagnostic criteria for atopic dermatitis*Essential Features(must be present)

1. Pruritus2. Eczema (acute, subacute, or chronic) a. Chronic or relapsing history b. Typical morphology and age-specific patterns - Facial, neck, and extensor involvement in infants and children - Current or previous flexor lesions - Sparing of the groin and axillary regions

Important Features (usually present)

1. Early age of onset2. Atopy a. Personal and/or family history b. Raised IgE levels3. Xerosis

Associated Features(nonspecific; suggests diagnosis)

1. Atypical vascular responses: a. Facial pallor b. White dermatographism2. Keratosis pilaris, pityriasis alba, hyperlinear palms, ichthyosis3. Ocular/periorbital changes4. Perioral/periauricular lesions5. Perifollicular accentuation, lichenification, prurigo lesions

Exclusionary Conditions A diagnosis of AD depends on exclusion of: scabies, seborrheic dermatitis, contact dermatitis (irritant or allergic), ichthyosis, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, psoriasis, photosensitivity dermatoses, immune-deficiency diseases, and erythroderma of other causes.

*Adapted from: Eichenfield LF, Hanifin JF, Luger TA, Stevens SR, Pride HB. Consensus conference on pediatric atopic dermatitis. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2003 Dec;49(6):1088-95.

LEONE, ROWANE, LLOYD

Table 2. Osteopathic manipulative treatment techniques used in atopic dermatitis5,11

OMT Technique Type Mechanism of Action ContraindicationsMyofascial Release

Direct or indirect, passive or active

Physician applies compression or distraction forces to the somatic dysfunction; restricted fascia is encouraged into ease.

Open surgical wounds, fractures, recent surgery, deep vein thrombosis, underlying neoplasms

Soft-tissue Technique

Direct or indirect, passive

Manipulation of soft tissue by palpation encourages increased circulation, lymphatic flow, and relaxation.

Open surgical wounds, fractures, underlying neoplasms

Lymphatic Technique

Direct or indirect, passive

Lymphatic pumping, soft tissue, and manual drainage promote fluid movement.

Presence of metastatic cancer, tuberculosis or other infections, hypercoagulable states

activation-regulated chemokine.3,6 However, none have been found reliable for clinical use in diagnosis or monitoring progression of disease. Other clinical evidence indicates alteration in immune function. Children with atopic dermatitis may develop severe, diffuse cutaneous infection with herpes simplex virus whether or not their dermatitis is active.1 It has also been shown that the incidence of contact allergy may be lower than normal in AD patients, increasing risks associated with poison ivy and other common contact irritants. Patch testing is generally positive for numerous aeroallergens in children with AD, including house dust, mites, cockroaches, mold mix, and grass mix.1,3,6

In addition to the specific immunologic factors that play a role in the pathogenesis of AD, recent research has been focusing on the loss of the skin’s barrier function, which results in generalized xerosis and pruritus. Abnormally dry skin and a much lower threshold for itching are hallmark traits of eczema. AD starts with itching and progresses to a rash, which often itches more, and continual scratching only makes the rash worse. This is classically known as the “itch-scratch” cycle.1-4,6

There are two risk factors for AD: 1) family history of atopy, and 2) mutations of the FLG gene.6 About 70 percent of children with AD have a positive family history of the disease.8 The FLG gene encodes profilaggrin, which is degraded into filaggrin monomers, proteins that play an important role in differentiation and formation of the epidermal stratum corneum .6 The loss of the barrier function of the stratum corneum contributes to the predisposition of AD patients to have chronically dry, itchy skin. This propagates the itch-scratch cycle. Most patients with AD, unless they are too young to understand, try to control their scratching; it occurs mostly at night, when conscious effort dissipates.

Acute inflammation of the skin begins with erythematous papules, which progress to excoriations, erosions, and serous exudate.1 Subacute dermatitis is associated with excoriated and irritated papules. Chronic dermatitis results in lichenification of the skin and fibrotic papules, often seen over the popliteal fossa in children with AD. All three types of reaction can simultaneously co-exist in the same individual.1,2 On a lichenified plaque, normal skin lines may become accentuated, resembling a “washboard appearance.”1

ManagementManagement of atopic dermatitis in the pediatric population can be a challenge. AD is characterized by periods of “flares,” or acute worsening, alternating with periods of remission following treatment.6 Treatment goals are to eliminate inflammation and infection, preserve and restore the stratum corneum using barrier emollients, limit pruritus to prevent damage to the skin, and control other exacerbating factors of the disease.1-3,6

Symptom management for atopic dermatitis is of upmost importance. These measures start with good skin-care practices and preventing dry skin. Topical emollients are a mainstay of therapy and should be applied liberally after bathing.8 Moisturizers work to address the negative effects of epidermal barrier dysfunction.6,8 Children should bathe in warm rather than hot water, and use mild, unscented soaps.8 Lubricating ointments, which are often greasy and impractical for daytime use, should be used at night for their superior hydrating properties.

In some pediatric patients, emollients may be adequate to deal with existing lesions, and anti-inflammatory therapies can be saved for new lesions. In others, both new and previously involved lesions may benefit from application of topical corticosteroids (TCSs) or topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs) on a scheduled and intermittent basis.6 TCSs (1x - 2x per week) and TCIs (2x - 3x per week) can be used in conjunction with moisturizers,6 though TCIs should only be used in children over 2 years of age.1,6,8 Only low-potency (class 6 or 7) steroids should be used on the face, axillae and groin in order to minimize side effects such as acne, striae, telangiectasia, and atrophy.8 Ointments, which are more potent than creams, should be avoided on open or oozing lesions and intertriginous folds. Proactive use of TCSs and TCIs is an effective strategy for AD flares, but there are no studies that compare the two classes of topical therapy.6 The optimal interval of scheduled intermittent use is not clear due to variations between studies. Current treatment guidelines do not recommend more than twice-daily application of topical corticosteroids.6,8 TCIs should not be used on open lesions, as they cause skin burning and irritation. Patients should also be counseled on using proper sun protection. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends avoiding long-term use of TCIs in all patients.8 The use of sedating antihistamines in children has been shown beneficial in treating pruritus and sleep disturbance associated with AD.1,8 Antibiotics should be reserved for the treatment of acutely infected lesions associated with atopic dermatitis.6,8 Environmental modifications are recommended and well studied. Patients with atopic dermatitis should avoid known irritants, such as wool, acids, bleaches, and solvents.1,6,8 Any chemical or environmental triggers that are known and specific to the individual should be avoided. Smooth clothing and avoidance of irritating, manufactured fabrics may help minimize eczema flares. There are no studies to date showing that specialized clothing (such as silver-impregnated garments) is warranted.6

Two new and emergent treatments for atopic dermatitis include crisaborole, a topical boron-based phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor (PDE-4), and dupilumab, an antibody that inhibits interluekin-4/IL-13 receptor α chain.18 The FDA approved dupilumab to treat adults with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. In three placebo-controlled clinical trials with a total of 2,119 adult participants, all with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis inadequately controlled on topical medication(s), dupilumab was established as safe and efficacious. In all trials, dupilumab significantly improved measures of skin-clearing intensity and severity of disease at 16 weeks compared to placebo. Dupilumab is administered via subcutaneous injection every other week after an initial loading dose.18 In contrast to dupilumab,

which can only be used in adults, the FDA approved crisaborole ointment 2% for the treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in patients 2 years of age and older. The safety and efficacy of crisaborole topical were established in two placebo-controlled trials with 1,522 participants, ranging from 2 years to 79 years of age, with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis. Participants applied crisaborole ointment twice a day for 28 days. Crisaborole-treated patients achieved higher Investigator’s Statistic Global Assessment (ISGA) scores than vehicle-treated patients.18,19

DiscussionIn addition to standard therapies, osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) may aid in the treatment of AD. The four guiding principles of OMT are:9,10

1. The body is a unit; the person is a unit of mind, body and spirit.

2. The body is capable of self-regulation, self-healing, and health maintenance.

3. Structure and function are reciprocally interrelated.4. Rational treatment is based on an understanding

of the basic principles of body unity, self-regulation, and the interrelationship of structure and function.

Osteopathic physicians can use either direct or indirect techniques to restore the body’s physiological function and treat somatic dysfunction. Somatic dysfunction is defined as the impaired or altered function of related components of the somatic system: skeletal, arthrodial, and myofascial structures and their related vascular, neural, and lymphatic elements.5,9-11 Three OMT modalities useful in the treatment of atopic dermatitis -- myofascial release, lymphatic pump technique and soft tissue technique – will be discussed as possible adjunct treatments and are described in Table 2.

Myofascial release (MFR) works to disengage the restrictive barrier, placing all areas of fascial tension in a state of ease. This, in turn, decongests the lymphatic area. It can be performed anywhere from head to toe, since fascia surrounds and compartmentalizes all structures.5 Myofascial release can be performed as a direct technique, by taking the fascia into a restrictive barrier, or it can be performed as an indirect technique, by taking the fascia into ease. To perform MFR, the physician must first find an area of myofascial strain, and then apply compression or distraction forces to the somatic dysfunction until the fascia releases and the strain is resolved. As previously mentioned, there are many palpable restrictive areas and tissue-texture abnormalities in patients with atopic dermatitis, and resolution of the strain is based on the physician’s perceived response to palpation of the fascia.

Lymphatic techniques have been shown to enhance the lymphatic and immune systems through modulation of inflammatory mediators. Schander et al. found that lymphatic pump techniques significantly increase total leukocyte count, interleukin-8, and keratinocyte-derived chemoattractant following treatment.12 Lymphatic pumps have been shown to have a positive effect on the B-lymphocyte and T-lymphocyte components of the immune system in peripheral blood.13 According to Chikly, Sleszynski and Kelso conducted a one-year, randomized, researcher-blinded trial of the thoracic lymphatic pump in patients who had undergone low-risk cholecystectomy.13 Patients treated with the thoracic lymphatic pump had earlier recovery and quicker return to preoperative values of forced vital capacity than those that did not receive treatment.

There are four physiologic diaphragms in the human body that play a role in lymphatic return, including the tentorium cerebelli, thoracic inlet, abdominal diaphragm, and pelvic diaphragm.5 The location of an AD flare determines which diaphragm to treat. Treatment of the thoracic inlet relaxes tissue restrictions and enhances lymphatic drainage from the head and neck. This is helpful in pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis on the face, commonly the malar cheeks. Releasing the tentorium cerebelli can treat lesions on the scalp, face, and neck, as well. Thoracoabdominal-diaphragm release increases lymphatic return from the rest of the body and may increase lymphatic flow to the chest and upper back. Treatment of the pelvic diaphragm increases lymphatic flow to the abdomen, buttocks, lower back, and pelvis. For lesions on the upper and lower extremities, release of the palmar fascia and plantar fascia, respectively, can be employed.

Performance of these techniques by an osteopathic physician may enhance lymphatic flow to the affected skin while simultaneously decreasing immune congestion. (For visual instructions, see Figure 4.) Lymphatic techniques are relatively easy, non-invasive adjunct treatments that may improve outcomes in pediatric AD patients.

Pediatric patients and parents or guardians must take an active role in management of AD. Topical emollients should be applied daily to protect and restore the epidermal layer.1,2,6 OMT can be combined with the use of ointments or creams as an adjunct to treatment, either performed by the dermatologist, patient, or parent/guardian.

The soft tissue techniques of effleurage, petrissage, friction, and tapotement can increase relaxation of surrounding fascia and promote lymphatic flow toward the lymphatic ducts (Figure 5).5,9,10 Soft tissue techniques have been shown to increase tissue elasticity, enhance circulation to local fascial structures, improve local nutrition and oxygenation, and improve local immune response.5 These osteopathic soft tissue techniques can be administered by the parent(s) or performed by the children themselves if they are old enough to participate in their own care. This is both cost effective and beneficial to the parents, in that it allows them to feel they are actively participating in the treatment process. We suggest parents or patients perform these techniques while applying medications, emollients and creams, which facilitates the standard of care and ensures that an adequate amount of time is spent applying medications so they are fully absorbed into the skin. Of course, if the parent(s) or patient is applying a steroid, it is important to wash hands or other areas that the steroid may have touched on the

parent(s) or patient. Soft tissue techniques that can be utilized in atopic dermatitis include effleurage, skin rolling, stretching and petrissage. Effleurage is a light stroking soft-tissue technique that can be used on superficial eczematous plaques or patches. Skin rolling involves lifting the skin away from the deeper fascial structures and rolling it along the plane of treatment.10 Petrissage is a deeper kneading and constant squeezing pressure. Although this treatment has been shown to improve pruritus, pain, and anxiety in patients with scars, it may be too invasive for pediatric AD patients and should be used at the physician’s discretion. Instructions on how to perform these soft tissue techniques are provided below.

A study comparing standard medical management alone to standard medical management with massage therapy found that patients receiving massage therapy had statistical improvement in redness, lichenification, scaling, excoriation and pruritus.14

Although massage therapy differs from osteopathic soft tissue techniques in some ways, it can be inferred that using effleurage, petrissage, friction, and tapotement will benefit the patient with AD.

Absolute contraindications to lymphatic technique include coagulopathy, chronic infections, and infections with risk of reactivation, such as tuberculosis.16 Relative contraindications to lymphatic technique include active cancer, as there is a question as to whether lymphatic OMT can mobilize malignant cells.16,17 Further studies are needed to determine the risk of initiating superinfections in eczematoid patients with open excoriations by performing OMT. Physicians should use best practices and wear gloves if they are touching any open, excoriated areas. There is clear evidence that patients with necrotizing fasciitis, abscess in the area, or systemic infection with temperature greater than 102° Fahrenheit (38.9° Celsius) should not be treated with OMT.17

Time management is a major consideration in most dermatology practices. In a survey-based study conducted in 2003, dermatologists cited time restriction as a major barrier to performing OMT.15 The techniques described here should not take more than five minutes to perform. A sample patient handout is included to help patients and/or parents perform osteopathic soft tissue techniques, with either emollient or medication, at home (Appendix 1). This may help to facilitate patient education, empower patients and parents, and decrease time spent on OMT in the office. Education for caregivers and patients is an important form of intervention. Since the pathogenesis of AD is complex and often requires multiple therapies, it also requires teaching and support to maintain a positive treatment response.6

Examples of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment TechniquesDiaphragm Release5,10

Choose the appropriate area to treat based on the location of visibly affected skin. Based on the respiratory-circulatory module, the thoracic inlet should be treated for lesions of the upper extremity, head, and neck (Figures 1a, 1b). For lesions of the lower extremity, treatment should begin with release of the pelvic diaphragm.

Palpate the diaphragm, feeling for areas of somatic dysfunction, using compression, distraction, and the full respiratory cycle. Note areas of restriction and ease in diaphragmatic movement.

While palpating the diaphragm, hold the tissue in the direction in which it moves most freely. Allow the fascia to unwind, at which point the tension should release, and rhythmic motion of the diaphragm should resume.

Re-check the diaphragm to appreciate the motion gained, and a new end point should manifest.

Lymphatic TechniqueChoose the appropriate area to treat based on the location of visibly affected skin. For example, if eczema flare is present in the cubital fossa, start distally (toward the wrist) and go proximally (toward the heart).

Place the thumb on the extensor surface and the fingers on the flexor surface and apply pressure, moving the hand upward (Figure 2). Emollient can be applied at the distal site and massaged upward. Gloves should be worn. Steroid can be used on active flares. Take care not to put excessive pressure on active lesions, as this may irritate the skin.

Soft-tissue TechniquesChoose the appropriate area to treat based on the location of visibly affected skin. For example, if

PEDIATRIC ATOPIC DERMATITIS: UTILIZING OMT AS AN ADJUNCT TREATMENT

1a. Thoracic-inlet release: Palpate the thoracic inlet, and motion test for restriction in rotation or side-bending. With the thoracic inlet in a state of either restriction (direct) or ease (indirect), palpate for a release point.

1b. Abdominal diaphragm release: Standing behind the patient, place hands underneath the ribcage as shown. Using respiration, palpate ease in the abdominal diaphragm until release.

LEONE, ROWANE, LLOYD

eczema flare is present in the cubital fossa, start distally (toward the wrist) and go proximally (toward the heart) (Figure 3).

Move to a modified effleurage technique, using the palms to apply pressure directly up the arm, to the shoulder. If using an emollient, do not put excessive pressure directly on the lesion, as this may irritate the skin. Topical steroids or calcineurin inhibitors can be used on active flares.

Use effleurage techniques to massage emollient gently in the distal-to-proximal direction.

There is no specific end point to treatment. Once the emollient or medication is adequately absorbed, treatment can cease.

ConclusionAtopic dermatitis affects not only the skin but also the whole patient, with emotional and psychological impacts. It represents a somatic dysfunction of the skin that can impact the structure and function of the body, creating upset in the body’s homeostatic mechanisms. Because atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory process, osteopathic manipulative medicine can be used as an adjunctive therapy alongside traditional treatments recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology. Further studies are needed to address the effectiveness of OMT, the number of treatments needed to achieve maximum therapeutic benefit, and the response rates of pediatric patients.

References1. James WD, Berger TG, Elston DM. Andrew’s diseases of the skin. Oxford: Elsevier; 2014. Chapter 5, Atopic Dermatitis; p. 62-89.

2.Turner JD, Schwartz RA. Atopic dermatitis. A clinical challenge. Acta Dermatovenerol Alp Panonica Adriat. 2006 Jun. 15(2):59-68.

3. Eichenfield LF, Hanifin JF, Luger TA, Stevens SR, Pride HB. Consensus conference on pediatric atopic dermatitis. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2003 Dec;49(6):1088-95.

4. Su JC, Kemp AS, Varigos GA, Nolan TM. Atopic eczema: its impact on the family and financial cost. Arch Dis Child. 1997 Feb;76(2):159-62.

5. Savarse R. OMT review; a comprehensive review of osteopathic medicine. 3rd ed. Legis Press; c2003. Chapter 12, Myofascial Release; p. 63-65.

6. Eichenfield LF, Wynnis TL, Berger TG, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of atopic dermatitis. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014 Jul;71(1):338-51.

7. Gerdes S, Kurrat W, Mrowietz U. Serum mast cell tryptase is not a useful marker for disease severity in psoriasis or atopic dermatitis. Br J Dermatol. 2009 Apr;160(4):736-40.

8. Buys LM. Treatment options for atopic dermatitis. Am Fam Physician. 2007 Feb 15;75(4):523-8.

9.Campbell SM, Winkelmann R, Walkowski S. Osteopathic manipulative treatment: novel application to dermatological disease. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2012 Oct;5(10):24-32.

10. Belden S, Lloyd J, Rowane M. The scar as a representation of osteopathic principles. J Am Osteopath Coll Dermatol. 2015 Oct 15;32:11-5.

11. Chila A. Foundations of Osteopathic Medicine. 3rd rev. ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2010. p. 1131.

12. Schander A, Downey HF, Hodge LM. Lymphatic pump manipulation mobilizes inflammatory mediators into lymphatic circulation. Exp Biol Med. 2012 Jan;237(1):58-63.

13. Chikly B. Manual techniques addressing the lymphatic system: origins and development. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2005 Oct;105:457-64.

14. Schachner L. Atopic dermatitis symptoms decreased in children following massage therapy. Pediatr Dermatol. 1998 Oct 15(5):390-5.

15. Spaeth DG, Pheley AM. Evaluation of osteopathic manipulative treatments by Ohio osteopathic physicians in various specialties. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2002 Mar;102(3):145-50.

16. Hibler J, Perkins J, Eland D, Sammons D. Osteopathic manipulative medicine for inflammatory skin diseases. J Am Osteopath Coll Dermatol. 2014;31:11-3.

17. McIlwee BE, Lloyd JR, Rowane MP. Lymphatic complaints in the dermatology clinic: an osteopathic approach. J Am Osteopath Coll Dermatol. 2016;35:10-4.

18. Eichenfield LF, Friedlander SF, Simpson EL, Irvine AD. Assessing the new and emerging treatments for atopic dermatitis. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2016 Jun;35(5 Suppl):S92-6.

19. Paller AS, Tom WL, Lebwohl MG, et al. Efficacy and safety of crisaborole ointment, a novel, nonsteroidal phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor for the topical treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) in children and adults. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2016 Sep;75(3):494-503.

2a, 2b. For active eczema flares in the cubital fossa, hold the patient’s wrist as shown. Apply gentle pressure, moving toward the armpit, to increase lymphatic flow to the heart.

Figure 2a

Figure 2b

3. Use gentle effleurage, moving toward the armpit, with or without topical medication or emollient.

PEDIATRIC ATOPIC DERMATITIS: UTILIZING OMT AS AN ADJUNCT TREATMENT

Appendix 1. Performing Soft Tissue Techniques for Atopic Dermatitis at HomeFor upper-extremity eczema flare (often located in the elbow crease)

For a parent, guardian, or other supervisor:

1. Wearing latex-free gloves, apply a quarter-sized drop of emollient on the patient’s extremity, at the location farthest from the heart. (For example, to treat an eczema flare on the inner elbow crease, the emollient is applied on the back of the wrist.)

2. Place your thumb on the forearm and your fingers on the back of the forearm (on the side closest to the eczema flare).

3. Using squeezing pressure, advance up the arm to the armpit, being careful to use minimal pressure over the active eczema flare in the elbow surface. This step can be repeated three to four times.

4. Place your fingers on the back of the wrist and your thumb on the forearm, and massage up to the armpit using a sustained, gentle pressure, again being careful not to put too much pressure on the active eczema flare.

5. Starting at the wrist, use your fingers to gently massage up to the armpit, keeping them in constant contact with the skin.