Premium
Effect of climatic change in children with atopic eczema
Author(s) -
Byremo G.,
Rød G.,
Carlsen K. H.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
allergy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.363
H-Index - 173
eISSN - 1398-9995
pISSN - 0105-4538
DOI - 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2006.01209.x
Subject(s) - atopic dermatitis , medicine , scorad , dermatology life quality index , quality of life (healthcare) , dermatology , disease , nursing
Background: Climate and sunlight (ultraviolet radiation) influence activity of atopic eczema. Objective: To evaluate the effect of moving from a subarctic/temperate climate to a sunny subtropical climate on children's atopic eczema. Methods: Children, 4–13 years, with severe atopic eczema were randomized to stay 4 weeks in Gran Canary (index patients = 30) and home in Norway (controls = 26), with a follow up of 3 months. SCORing of Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) was primary variable, and secondary were Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI), Staphylococcus aureus skin colonization and pharmacological skin treatment. Results: SCORing of Atopic Dermatitis decreased from 37.2 (29.4–44.9) to 12.2 (9.0–15.4) [mean (95% confidence intervals)] after 4 weeks and 21.2 (17.2–25.1) 3 months thereafter in index patients ( P < 0.0005), much less in controls. Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index in the index group improved from 8.7 to 2.2 and 4.5 after 4 weeks and 3 months ( P < 0.0005), not in controls. Bacterial skin colonization with S. aureus decreased in the index group from 23/30 (77%) to 12/30 (40%; P = 0.001) and 12/30 (40%; P = 0.005) after 1 month and 3 months, and the use of local steroids decreased in index patients but not in controls. Conclusions: The change from a subartic/temperate to a subtropical climate for 4 weeks improved significantly skin symptoms (SCORAD) and quality of life, even for 3 months after return.