BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is associated with severe pruritus, but there are only a few effective treatment modalities. Previous studies have demonstrated that infrared light inhibited the development of atopic dermatitis. OBJECTIVE: This study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of StoneTouch(R) infrared device in reducing pruritus associated with atopic dermatitis. METHODS: A total of 92 patients with atopic dermatitis with mild to moderate AD were enrolled in the randomized single-blind, placebo-controlled study. Randomly assigned StoneTouch(R) or sham device was irradiated three times daily for 14 days trial. Efficacy was evaluated by visual analogue scales and investigator's assessments. RESULTS: Pruritus scores using VAS evaluated by patients revealed greater improvement in the StoneTouch(R) infrared treatment group. Assessment of treated skin lesion by physicians showed significant improvement of skin findings in treated group. Transient erythema and mild irritation on the treated site were reported in a few patients. These symptoms were diminished within 1~2 days of treatment. CONCLUSION: StoneTouch(R) infrared device is safe and effective in reducing pruritus in patients with atopic dermatitis.
Dermatitis, Atopic ; Erythema ; Humans ; Light ; Pruritus ; Salicylamides ; Skin ; Weights and Measures

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is associated with severe pruritus, but there are only a few effective treatment modalities. Previous studies have demonstrated that infrared light inhibited the development of atopic dermatitis. OBJECTIVE: This study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of StoneTouch(R) infrared device in reducing pruritus associated with atopic dermatitis. METHODS: A total of 92 patients with atopic dermatitis with mild to moderate AD were enrolled in the randomized single-blind, placebo-controlled study. Randomly assigned StoneTouch(R) or sham device was irradiated three times daily for 14 days trial. Efficacy was evaluated by visual analogue scales and investigator's assessments. RESULTS: Pruritus scores using VAS evaluated by patients revealed greater improvement in the StoneTouch(R) infrared treatment group. Assessment of treated skin lesion by physicians showed significant improvement of skin findings in treated group. Transient erythema and mild irritation on the treated site were reported in a few patients. These symptoms were diminished within 1~2 days of treatment. CONCLUSION: StoneTouch(R) infrared device is safe and effective in reducing pruritus in patients with atopic dermatitis.
Dermatitis, Atopic ; Erythema ; Humans ; Light ; Pruritus ; Salicylamides ; Skin ; Weights and Measures