Korean J Asthma Allergy Clin Immunol.  2011 Jun;31(2):124-130.

Therapeutic Efficacy of Hot Spring Sea Water Therapy in Atopic Dermatitis: A Pilot Study

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Spa has been applied for the alleviation of atopic dermatitis (AD), but there have been few studies on the efficacy and safety of hot spring sea water therapy.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to clarify the conditions which have adequate efficacy and safety of hot spring sea water therapy for the treatment of AD. METHOD: Twenty-eight patients with AD who had mild to moderate symptoms were enrolled and divided into 14 groups according to bathing frequencies, temperatures, durations, and kinds of water. Bathing frequency was 2, 3 or 7 times a week. Temperature was 37degrees C or 40degrees C, and duration was 15 or 30 minutes. Twelve groups took a bath in hot spring sea water obtained from an island in Korea, 1 group took a bath in salt water and 1 took a bath in tap water. We assessed o-SCORAD index at baseline and every week for 4 weeks. In addition, colony counts of S. aureus were evaluated at baseline and at the last visit. RESULT: The 3 times-a-week/37degrees C/15 minute and twice-a-week/37degrees C/30 minute groups showed the largest and continuous decline in o-SCORAD index. The index was also slightly decreased in the salt and tap water groups. The colony counts of S. aureus did not show significant changes after bathing.
CONCLUSION
This pilot study shows the possibility that hot spring sea water therapy might be an efficacious and safe treatment option for treating AD. However, the precise mechanism should be elucidated through further studies.

MeSH Terms

Balneology
Baths
Dermatitis, Atopic
Hot Springs
Humans
Hydrotherapy
Korea
Pilot Projects
Seawater
Water
Water