Natural oils such as primrose are 'useless' at treating symptoms of eczema

Scientists from the US found that taking supplements did not work Taking primrose or borage oil did no more than dummy capsules Dermatologists say the findings are disappointing for eczema sufferers

By Jenny Hope

PUBLISHED: 18:48 EST, 29 April 2013 | UPDATED: 18:48 EST, 29 April 2013

Natural remedies such as evening primrose oil are useless for helping sufferers of eczema, warn researchers.

They found supplements worked no better than taking dummy capsules at relieving the itchy, dry skin caused by the disorder.

The findings follow years of controversy over whether complementary therapies are effective.

Supplements such as primrose oil have been found to be useless in treating the symptoms of eczema

Mixed findings from clinical studies have left many sufferers confused and doctors uncertain about the advice they should be offering.

But researchers in the US claim a systematic analysis of 27 studies covering almost 1,600 adults and children in 27 countries failed to show that it was worth buying evening primrose oil or borage oil, both popular treatments for eczema.

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Natural oils such as primrose are 'useless' at treating symptoms of eczema