[Atopic dermatitis and psoriasis: what is the benefit of in-patient high altitude climate therapy?]

Atopic dermatitis as well as psoriasis are characterized as common, chronic, often long lasting disorders of the cutis. In case of (a) a refractory out-patient therapy, (b) an acute severe exacerbation of skin lesions, (c) functional impairment of hands and feet, (d) suberythroderma or erythroderma, (e) complex topical as well as systemic treatment modalities, (f) complicating somatic or psychological co-morbidity, a referral to in-patient treatment at high altitude must be considered. The therapy at the Hochgebirgsklinik Davos (1,560 m above sea level) is characterized by application of natural-borne UV radiation all year round, missing house dust mite allergen, massive reduction of pollens and mycotic spores, improvement of skin perfusion as well as a reduction in itching (as compared to low altitude regions). Last but not least, silence and distance from home and company may show benefits for psychological and cutaneous well-being the 24-hour daily presence of dermatology experts, a broad armamentarium of topical and systemic treatment modalities as well as wide range of up-to-date diagnostic and therapeutic tools have to be further mentioned.