Antihistamines for atopic dermatitis (eczema): systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised trials

The authors aimed to systematically evaluate the benefits and harms of adding oral antihistamines for managing atopic dermatitis (eczema) through a network meta-analysis of randomized trials. They found that while antihistamines may slightly reduce atopic dermatitis and itch severity, these effects are clinically insignificant, and first-generation antihistamines are associated with increased cognitive impairment and treatment discontinuation. The study suggests that routine use of antihistamines in atopic dermatitis management is not supported by the evidence.