Efficacy of Balneotherapy as an Adjuvant Treatment for Atopic Dermatitis at Yuseong Spa, Korea

Lee, Hae Eul; Kim, Hyeong Rae; Im, Myung; Lee, Young; Kim, Chang Deok; Lee, Jeung Hoon; Seo, Young Joon

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Long-term use of various topical and systemic therapies for atopic dermatitis is associated with cutaneous and systemic adverse effects. Balneotherapy as an adjuvant treatment for atopic dermatitis has been extensively studied, and is considered effective and safe, in many countries. However, there is limited evidence from Korea, with only one previous report on the subject.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of balneotherapy in the treatment of atopic dermatitis in a Korean population.
METHODS
Thirty atopic dermatitis patients were included in this randomized clinical trial evaluating the therapeutic efficacy of balneotherapy at Yuseong Spa, for four weeks. The patients were assigned to two groups: the control group (allowed treatment only) and balneotherapy group (additionally treated with balneotherapy). Assessment was made at baseline, and after 1, 2, and 4 weeks of treatment.
RESULTS
At week 4, compared with the control group, the balneotherapy group showed significantly greater improvement in the eczema area and severity index score, physician's global assessment, patient's self global assessment, and in the measured value of transepidermal water loss. The visual analog scale for pruritus in the balneotherapy group decreased, whereas it increased in the control group. None of the patients experienced any adverse events.
CONCLUSION
Our study suggests that balneotherapy may be beneficial, is safe, and may increase the quality of life for patients with atopic dermatitis.