Study on high-altitude climate therapy for atopic eczema

The climatotherapy of atopic dermatitis in a high alpine climate is an established treatment method that meets the growing demand for a holistic therapeutic approach to this skin disease.

The effectiveness of climatotherapy was investigated in 97 patients with atopic dermatitis who were treated at the Zurich High Mountain Clinic in Davos between 1990 and 1994. The average length of stay was 32 days.

On discharge, 89% of patients were symptom-free or significantly improved. After at least one year, 70% of patients subjectively recalled being symptom-free or significantly improved on discharge. In the first year after climatotherapy, 81% of patients suffered a relapse. Nevertheless, the severity of atopic dermatitis was reduced in 56% of patients, and 74% of patients previously unable to work were able to return to work. Prior to treatment, 73% of patients received corticosteroids, 14% of which were systemic. The latter were completely discontinued in all but one case, and local steroids were no longer required in 71% of cases. In addition, 62% of patients had previously tried "alternative" medical treatments, which in most cases did not show any measurable success.

Thus, climatotherapy is a successful treatment method for atopic dermatitis, with a mild relapse to be expected. The widespread but less successful "alternative" treatments for atopic dermatitis should be scientifically evaluated according to international medical standards.