A new topical treatment of atopic dermatitis in pediatric patients based on Ficus carica L. (Fig): A randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial

•Our randomized, placebo-controlled trial indicated the new treatment for children atopic dermatitis.•Application of aqueous extract of fig fruit (F.carica) can offer better treatment outcome rather than Hydrocortisone 1% in mild to moderate atopic dermatitis.•There have been no immediate side effects from its use every day for two weeks. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common, chronic, relapsing and inflammatory skin disease characterized by pruritus and xerosis (dry skin). Its prevalence is on the increase worldwide, particularly in children. As the pathogenesis of AD involves a complex interaction of genetic, environmental and immunological factors, its definitive treatment is difficult. This clinical trial was designed as equivalence study to investigate the effect of aqueous extract of edible dried fig fruit on the severity of AD as measured with scoring atopic dermatitis (SCORAD), in comparison with Hydrocortisone 1.0% as the routine treatment of AD and base cream as a placebo. Forty five children aged 4 months to 14 years with mild to moderate AD (SCORAD