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

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.