The Efficacy and Safety of Balneotherapy as an Adjuvant Treatment for Atopic Dermatitis at Samsan Spa, Korea: A Randomized Controlled Split-body Trial

Shin, Ji Yeoun; Hong, Kyu Rak; Kwon, Ryung; Kim, Ye Seul; Lee, Sul Hee; Park, Young Lip; Lee, Sang Hoon

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with long-term use of topical and systemic medications. Several articles have described the use of balneotherapy as an adjuvant treatment for atopic dermatitis in many countries, including Korea.
OBJECTIVE
The goal of this study was to investigate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of balneotherapy as an adjuvant treatment of atopic dermatitis.
METHODS
Ten patients with atopic dermatitis were enrolled in this study and each patient served as their own control. Testing was conducted on the anterior cubital fossa of the arm. A priori binary randomization was completed to determine which arm would receive balneotherapy or tap water. Patients visited clinics 3 times per week for 2 weeks and had a forearm bath for 15 minutes. Assessment was performed at baseline, and after 1 and 2 weeks of treatment.
RESULTS
At the last visit, the balneotherapy group showed improvements in their local eczema area, severity index score, and the degree transepidermal water loss. The physician's global assessment, patient's self-global assessment, and skin hydration was increased in both groups.
CONCLUSION
Our study suggests that balneotherapy is a safe adjuvant therapy that could be considered for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. However, more studies are required to demonstrate scientific basis for this treatment.