Climatotherapy at the Dead Sea: an effective treatment modality for atopic dermatitis with significant positive impact on quality of life.
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.
RIDS: The Joint Research Institute on Climatotherapy for Skin Diseases at the Dead Sea, The Deutsches Medizinisches Zentrum Medical Center and the Department of Dermatology, Hadassah University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel. chagitadler@gmail.com
Chagit
C
Adler-Cohen
Tali
T
Czarnowicki
Jacob
J
Dreiher
Thomas
T
Ruzicka
Arieh
A
Ingber
Marco
M
Harari
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001452:Balneology / Q000379:methods*; D013790:Climatotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006370:Heliotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007557:Israel; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009792:Oceans and Seas; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014467:Ultraviolet Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult