Therapeutic Effects of Saline Groundwater Solution Baths on Atopic Dermatitis: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background. Saline groundwater, collected from the east coast of Korea, has been shown to have protective effects against 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene- (DNCB-) induced atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in the murine model. Objectives. To determine the effects of saline groundwater solution baths as a treatment of mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis. Methods. Twenty-four subjects with mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis were instructed to take a bath in saline groundwater solution for 20 minutes per day for two weeks. Evaluations were performed at baseline and week 2, including SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index, corneometry, transepidermal water loss, visual analogue scale for pruritus, and collection of adverse events. Results. Subjects showed significant improvement with respect to the SCORAD index, skin hydration, transepidermal water loss, and pruritus at week 2 when compared with the baseline. Conclusion. Baths in saline groundwater solution may be an alternative therapeutic strategy for treating atopic dermatitis.