Study on the effect of heliotherapy on atopic eczema

The aim of this study at the Military Central Hospital was to investigate the suitability and effectiveness of heliotherapy for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in adults in the Canary Islands.

A total of 216 patients took part in six different heliotherapy stays of two or three weeks each. The severity of atopic dermatitis was assessed using the SCORAD index (Severity Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis) before the start of heliotherapy, after two weeks and three months after the end of heliotherapy. A questionnaire on quality of life was later sent to all participants.

The average SCORAD index decreased by 70 % after two weeks of heliotherapy and wasstill 45 % lower after three months. After three months, the use of topical steroids was still significantly reduced, while the use of emollients did not change significantly. Thepatients' quality of life improved and their ability to self-treat and their ability to work increased.

As the longer period of three weeks did not offer any significant additional benefits compared to two weeks, two weeks of heliotherapy can be considered optimal. In conclusion, heliotherapy is an effective and valuable complementary therapy, especially for adults with severe atopic dermatitis.