Adjunctive online CBT can significantly improve symptoms of atopic dermatitis in adults and also reduces related stress and insomnia, researchers say.   

The Swedish team says there are many advantages to the internet-based treatment, including easy access, minimal resources from doctors and avoidance of wait lists for psychological care. 

The researchers conducted one of the few randomised controlled trials of CBT for atopic dermatitis among adult patients (81% female, mean age 37) whose condition ranged from moderate to very severe.

Half the cohort received online exposure-based CBT over 12 weeks plus standard care instructions outlining the use of treatments like emollients and topical corticosteroids, while the control group received only the standard care information.