Abstract | BACKGROUND: OBJECTIVES: To investigate the efficacy and safety of balneotherapy performed at Comano spa (Trentino, Italy) compared to topical corticosteroids (TCS) in the treatment of AD. METHODS: This was an open, randomized, clinical trial including 104 children (aged 1-14 years) with mild to moderate AD who were assigned either to balneotherapy (n = 54) or TCS (n = 50) once daily for 2 weeks. AD severity and quality of life were measured using the SCORAD, investigator global assessment ( IGA), patients' self global assessment (PSGA), children's dermatology life quality index (CDLQI) and family dermatitis impact questionnaire (FDIQ). Subjective measures were re-evaluated 4 months after the end of therapy. RESULTS:
Balneotherapy and TCS resulted in a significant reduction of all parameters at week 2. TCS were more effective than balneotherapy regarding SCORAD (46% ± 7.71 vs 26% ± 9.4, mean ± SD; p < 0.03). In contrast, IGA, PSGA, CDLQI and FDIQ improvement was similar. At month 4, the number and duration of relapses were less in patients treated with balneotherapy compared to those treated with TCS (p <0.0001). CONCLUSIONS:
Balneotherapy at Comano spa appears to be beneficial in children with mild to moderate AD.
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Authors | Stefania Farina, Paolo Gisondi, Mauro Zanoni, Manuela Pace, Laura Rizzoli, Ermanno Baldo, Giampiero Girolomoni |
Journal | The Journal of dermatological treatment
(J Dermatolog Treat)
Vol. 22
Issue 6
Pg. 366-71
(Dec 2011)
ISSN: 1471-1753 [Electronic] England |
PMID | 21254853
(Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)
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Topics |
- Adolescent
- Balneology
(methods)
- Child
- Child, Preschool
- Dermatitis, Atopic
(diagnosis, therapy)
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Hot Springs
- Humans
- Infant
- Italy
- Male
- Patient Satisfaction
- Quality of Life
- Severity of Illness Index
- Single-Blind Method
- Time Factors
- Treatment Outcome
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