Key Points
- Melatonin significantly reduced eczema severity
- Itch intensity and overall discomfort decreased
- Sleep quality, falling asleep, and staying asleep improved
- Quality of life scores increased after 4 weeks
Overview of Methods
Eighty adults (aged 18 years or older) with eczema were randomized into two groups:
Melatonin Group: 40 individuals received 10 mg oral melatonin nightly 1 hour before sleep for 4 weeks
Placebo Group: 40 individuals received a matching oral placebo nightly 1 hour before sleep for 4 weeks
Clinical measurements were made of eczema disease severity (SCORAD), pain intensity (NPRS), itch severity (Pruritus-NRS), sleep quality (ADSS), and quality of life (DLQI) at baseline and after 4 weeks.
Melatonin Reduced Eczema Severity and Itching
Melatonin supplementation significantly reduced eczema severity, measured by the SCORAD index.
“After 4 weeks of supplementation, the SCORAD… indices improved significantly.”
Itching, one of the most disruptive symptoms of eczema, was also reduced across multiple measures referred to as the antipruritic effect.
“The improvement in Pruritus‐NRS and 12‐PSS scores in our study indicates the antipruritic effect of melatonin.”
These findings suggest melatonin may influence inflammatory signaling and skin barrier function, both of which are central to eczema progression.
Sleep and Quality of Life Improved
Sleep quality improved across multiple measures, including the ability to fall asleep and reduced nighttime disruptions, alongside improvements in quality of life, reflecting better daily functioning.
“Melatonin supplementation improved both sleep quality and quality of life in patients.”
“After 4 weeks… ADSS, and DLQI indices improved significantly.”
This suggests melatonin plays a central role in regulating circadian rhythm and inflammatory pathways. Restoring this rhythm may contribute to both symptom relief and overall recovery.
Conclusion
Melatonin improved several key symptoms in adults with eczema, including skin severity, itching, sleep, and overall quality of life, without reported side effects.
“Melatonin supplementation in adult patients with mild to moderate forms of AD improved disease severity, as assessed by the SCORAD index.”
“In addition, itching, quality of sleep, and quality of life, measured by the Pruritus‐NRS, 12‐PSS, ADSS, and DLQI indices, also improved with supplementation.
These benefits likely come from melatonin’s role in regulating the sleep–wake cycle, supporting the immune system, and reducing oxidative stress, all of which are involved in inflammation and skin health.
