[Atopic neurodermatitis--therapy in high altitude climate]

Climatotherapy of atopic dermatitis in a high alpine climate is a well-established therapy that meets the currently growing demand for a holistic approach in the treatment of this skin condition. The effectiveness of climatotherapy was evaluated in 97 patients with atopic dermatitis who were treated at the Zürich High Mountain Clinic in Davos during the period 1990-1994. The period of hospitalisation averaged 32 days. Upon discharge, 89% of patients were symptom-free or much improved. According to the patients' subjective recollection after a time interval of at least one year, 70% recalled being symptom-free or much improved at discharge. In the first year after climatotherapy, 81% of patients suffered a relapse. Nevertheless, in 56% the severity of the atopic dermatitis was reduced, and 74% of the patients who had previously been unable to work were able to resume their occupation. Before treatment, 73% of the patients were on corticosteroids, 14% systemically. The latter could be discontinued in all but one case; local steroids could be discontinued in 71% of cases. 62% of the patients had also tried "alternative" medical treatments and remedies, the majority with no measurable success. Thus, climatotherapy is a successful treatment for atopic dermatitis, but a mild relapse is to be expected. The popular, but less successful "alternative" medical treatment of atopic dermatitis needs to be evaluated scientifically according to international medical standards.