Long-term evaluation of climatotherapy for psoriasis

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Therapeutics
• Public Health

Background:

• Climatotherapy (CT) is recognized for its rapid clearance rates in chronic psoriasis.
• However, limited data exists regarding the long-term efficacy and impact of CT on patient quality of life.
• This study investigates the sustained effects of a single CT treatment course.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the long-term impact of a 4-week Climatotherapy (CT) treatment on psoriasis disease activity and quality of life.
• To evaluate outcomes at 4- to 6-month follow-ups after CT completion.
• To determine factors influencing treatment success and patient-reported outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 49 patients with psoriasis undergoing 4 weeks of CT in Israel.
• Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scores were recorded before CT and at a mean 5-month follow-up.
• Statistical analysis was performed to compare pre- and post-treatment scores and identify significant changes.

Main Results:

• A mean PASI reduction of 3.2 (39.5%) was observed, with 11 out of 49 patients achieving PASI 75.
• The mean DLQI score significantly decreased from 16.1 to 10.6, with 33 patients reaching a minimal clinically important difference.
• Six out of ten patients reported a clinically important improvement in quality of life.

Conclusions:

• A single course of Climatotherapy (CT) provides significant and clinically meaningful long-term benefits for psoriasis patients.
• Sustained improvements in both disease severity (PASI) and quality of life (DLQI) are achievable 4-6 months post-treatment.
• CT represents a valuable therapeutic option for managing chronic psoriasis, offering lasting relief beyond the treatment period.