title: Heliotherapy in atopic dermatitis: a prospective study on climatotherapy using the SCORAD index.
abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the suitability and effectiveness of heliotherapy in moderate or severe atopic dermatitis in adults in the Canary Islands. A total of 216 patients participated on 6 different 2- or 3-week heliotherapy trips. Using the Severity Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis Index (SCORAD), the severity of atopic dermatitis was assessed prior to the start of heliotherapy, after 2 weeks and then 3 months after the end of heliotherapy. A quality-of-life questionnaire was later mailed to all participants. The mean SCORAD index was reduced by 70% after 2 weeks of heliotherapy and was still 45% lower 3 months after therapy (P<0.0001). At 3 months, the use of topical steroids was still significantly reduced (P<0.0001), whereas there was no significant (P=0.1166) change in the consumption of emollients. The quality of life of patients was improved and their self-treatment and working capacity was increased. As the longer 3-week period provided no significant additional advantage over a 2-week period, 2 weeks of heliotherapy can be considered optimal. In conclusion, heliotherapy is an effective and valuable therapeutic adjunct, especially in adults with severe atopic dermatitis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Military Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland. pekka.autio@sunpoint.net
authors.forename: Pekka
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Autio
authors.forename: Pirjo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Komulainen
authors.forename: Harry M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Larni
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy / Q000379:methods; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000628:therapy*; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006370:Heliotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D003879:Dermatologic Agents