Korean J Dermatol.  2004 Jul;42(7):946-948.

Comparison of 4% NaCl Solution and UVB to Mineral Salt and UVB in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis

• Choi J
• Lee AY

Abstract

Combined treatment with salt water and artificial UV radiation (balneophototherapy) could be a valuable treatment alternative for atopic dermatitis. The exact mechanism of balneophototherapy is unclear. Immunomodulatroy, anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effects due to a high content of minerals, i.e. magnesium, calcium, sulfate, bromide and selenium are important. We compared the efficacy between mineral salt with UVB and 4% NaCl with UVB phototherapy in patients with severe atopic dermatitis. Application of 4% NaCl solution was done on one side of the extremities and mineral salt on the other side. Subsequently, same dosage of broadband UVB was irradiated on both sides. The skin lesions of mineral salt treatment were better than those of 4% NaCl in twelfth of twenty nine patients. The treatment of combined mineral salt and UVB radiation could be a valuable treatment alternative for severe atopic dermatitis.

Keyword

Atopic dermatitis; Phototherapy; Mineral salt