Climatotherapy at the Dead Sea: an effective treatment modality for atopic dermatitis with significant positive impact on quality of life.

Authors: Adler-Cohen C (1,2,3) , Czarnowicki T (1,2,3) , Dreiher J (4) , Ruzicka T (1,2,3) , Ingber A (1,2,3) , Harari M (1,2,3)
Affiliations:
(1) Deutsches Medizinisches Zentrum Medical Center (2) Dept. of Dermatology, Hadassah-University Hospital (3) The Joint Research Institute on Climatotherapy for Skin Diseases at the Dead Sea (4) Siaal Research Center, Division of Health in the Community, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
Source: Dermatitis. 2012 Mar-Apr;23(2):75-80
DOI: 10.1097/DER.0b013e31824a6141. Publication date: 2012 Mar E-Publication date: Not specified Availability: abstract Copyright: © 2012American Contact Dermatitis Society, All Right Reserved
Language: English Countries: Not specified Location: Not specified Correspondence address: Adler-Cohen C : chagitadler@gmail.com

Keywords

Article abstract

BACKGROUND:

Atopic dermatitis (AD) has an appreciable effect on quality of life. Improving the quality of life of AD patients is a priority.

OBJECTIVE:

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Dead Sea climatotherapy (DSC) as a treatment of AD and its influence on the quality of life of these patients.

METHODS:

Forty-nine adult patients with AD treated during the years 2009-2010 at the Deutsches Medizinisches Zentrum Medical Center participated in this prospective study. Climatotherapy was administered in accordance with a computer-designed protocol and included gradually increased sun exposure after a sea bath. Severity of AD was evaluated using the Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index. Patient quality of life was evaluated using Skindex-29. Statistical analysis was performed using a paired t test and Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney U tests.

RESULTS:

After treatment, the mean SCORAD value improved by 39 points (P < 0.001). The overall Skindex-29 score improved by a mean value of 33 points (P < 0.001). The pretreatment SCORAD, duration of AD, and maximal daily sun exposure predicted the posttreatment SCORAD values. Pretreatment Skindex-29 and patient age predicted the posttreatment Skindex-29 in a multiple linear regression model.

CONCLUSIONS:

Dead Sea climatotherapy provides an effective treatment modality for AD by improving the patient's skin condition and quality of life.

Find it online

Haut de page