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[Atopic neurodermatitis--therapy in high altitude climate]
B a Porta1, J Barandun, B Wüthrich
1Zürcher Höhenklinik Davos.
Praxis
|August 26, 2000
Summary
High alpine climatotherapy significantly improved atopic dermatitis symptoms in most patients. While relapses occurred, many patients experienced reduced severity and returned to work, with decreased corticosteroid use.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Environmental Medicine
Context:
- Atopic dermatitis (AD) treatment seeks holistic approaches.
- High alpine climatotherapy is an established yet under-evaluated treatment for AD.
- Growing patient demand for complementary and alternative medicine.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of high alpine climatotherapy for atopic dermatitis.
- To assess patient outcomes, including symptom severity, work capacity, and medication use.
- To compare climatotherapy outcomes with alternative treatments.
Summary:
- 97 patients with atopic dermatitis treated at a high alpine clinic showed significant improvement.
- 89% were symptom-free or much improved at discharge; 70% recalled this after one year.
- 81% experienced relapse within a year, but 56% had reduced severity and 74% resumed work.
Impact:
- Climatotherapy effectively reduces atopic dermatitis severity and improves quality of life.
- Significant reduction in corticosteroid use (systemic and local) post-treatment.
- Highlights the need for scientific evaluation of alternative therapies for atopic dermatitis.