Mood Emot.  2019 Jul;17(2):63-69. 10.0000/me.2019.17.2.63.

Effects of Outdoor Activities in Forests on Atopic Dermatitis

• Kim WK
• Kim W
• Woo JM

• KMID: 2455385
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.0000/me.2019.17.2.63

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to determine the effects of out-door activities in the forest environment, the so-called "forest therapy program," among children with atopic dermatitis (AD).
METHODS
A total of 40 children with moderate-severity AD were enrolled in this study. All subjects were divided into either the "forest group" participating in the forest therapy program or the control group. The vitamin D level and quality of life (QOL) were measured at the initial visit and 8-week final visit.
RESULTS
The SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index was reduced significantly more in the forest group than in the control group (39.17±4.48 vs. 27.00±4.87); however, it did not reach statistical significance. The vitamin D (25(OH)-D₃) level was increased significantly more in the forest group than in the control group (p>0.001). The mean QOL score was not significantly decreased in the forest group.
CONCLUSION
The forest therapy program was proven to be associated with the reduction of the SCORAD index and the increase of vitamin D level. However, QOL measures did not show statistically significant improvement. Thus, the forest therapy program may have a positive trend of biological and psychosocial effects in children with AD.

Keyword

Atopic Dermatitis; Forests; Vitamin D; Quality of Life

MeSH Terms

Child
Dermatitis, Atopic*
Forests*
Humans
Quality of Life
Vitamin D
Vitamin D