Efficacy and safety of Qinzhuliangxue decoction for treating atopic eczema: a randomized controlled trial

Background: Atopic eczema is the most common type of skin disorder in both children and adults. It is characterized by erythema, pruritus, papules, xeransis, and lichenification. Qinzhuliangxue decoction (QZLXD), a Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) prepared with several ingredients that are used to treat eczema, was formulated according to the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of QZLXD administration for treating atopic eczema compared to those of Runzaozhiyang capsules (RZZYC). Methods: A total of 176 patients were enrolled at the Shanghai Yueyang Hospital and were randomly assigned to the QZLXD treatment group (n=82) or the RZZYC control group (n=86). The differences in Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), Dermatology Life Quality Index, itching score, recurrence rate, and adverse events (AEs) were compared between the groups. Results: The EASI score (chi(2)=14.181, P=0.003), recurrence rate (chi(2)=7.398, P=0.007), and itching score (F=-3.427, P=0.001) were lower in the QZLXD group than in the RZZYC group. Incidence of AEs was similar between the RZZYC and QZLXD groups (P=0.434). Conclusions: QZLXD is recommended for the treatment of subacute atopic eczema because QZLXD showed good efficiency with low recurrence rate and tolerable AEs.