Assessment of the Influence Systemic Cryotherapy Exerts on Chosen Skin Scores of Patients with Atopic Dermatitis: Pilot Study

Biomed Res Int. 2020 Sep 7:2020:5279642. doi: 10.1155/2020/5279642. eCollection 2020.

Abstract

Background: One of the most important tasks in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) is alleviation of racking skin dryness and persistent pruritus, because these factors exert a significant influence on worsening patients' quality of life. Cryotherapy being a new form of rehabilitation in AD may supplement and support a long-term process of AD treatment, because it has anti-inflammatory and antipruritic effects and exerts a positive influence on the nervous system.

Methods: 14 adults (mean age 32 ± 10.8) with mild to moderate AD were enrolled. WBC (15 treatments in total) took place in winter 2018/2019. Patient skin parameters (hydration of the epidermis, sebum level, and skin pH level) were measured with probes produced by Courage + Khazaka Electronic GmbH.

Results: Changes were observed in the hydration level of the epidermis. The SCORAD index evaluating the AD intensity level also changed (decreased).

Conclusion: Due to these properties, hypothesis has been put forward that WBC can be an effective, supporting method in the treatment of AD.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cryotherapy / methods
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / therapy*
  • Epidermis / pathology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pilot Projects
  • Pruritus / pathology
  • Quality of Life
  • Severity of Illness Index