Psoriasis is the most common skin condition. It is a chronic non-communicable disease of unknown etiology. It is characterized by papular rashes in the form of plaques of various sizes – from a few millimeters to 3 centimeters in diameter. It is accompanied by itching, burning, sometimes (in a run-down form) painful sensations. Rashes are localized most often on the elbow and knee areas, on the scalp. The pathogenesis of this disease consists in the accelerated division of skin cells, layering of dead cells and the occurrence of specific inflammation under the zones of keratinization.
Along with medication and physiotherapeutic methods of psoriasis treatment, no less, and sometimes a more significant role, is played by sanatorium treatment. At the same time, the choice of treatment methods is purely individual and depends on many factors – the form of the disease, the patient’s age, the frequency of relapses, the duration of remission, etc. When it comes to this method of treating psoriasis, Israel takes a leading position in the world ranking of hospitals specializing in this field.
Heliotherapy and aerotherapy at the Dead Sea
Sanatorium treatment of psoriasis includes, in addition to standard drug therapies, heliotherapy (sun therapy), aerotherapy (aerotherapy), thalassotherapy (sea water treatment) and balneotherapy (mineral springs treatment). All this can be fully provided by the resorts of Israel.
In the sanatoriums located on the coast of the Dead Sea, a result is achieved that is incomparable in efficiency with any other hospital in the world. The secret lies in the unique natural characteristics of the country’s climate. First of all, it is the unique healing spectrum of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. Studies have shown that a few kilometers from the Dead Sea, UV radiation has a completely different spectrum, devoid of the healing qualities that sunlight is endowed with over the sea.
Heliotherapy procedures for psoriasis patients last 6 hours daily, with equal breaks. The most beneficial times for heliotherapy are morning and afternoon. Sunbathing should be started with a few minutes, gradually bringing a single exposure up to 3 hours. When a spa treatment for psoriasis is prescribed , Israel is the optimal choice for heliotherapy.
The air of the Dead Sea is saturated with oxygen, bromine, magnesium and other elements that have a beneficial effect on the general condition of the body. Air baths in Israel’s specialized sanatoriums are carried out in combination with sun baths. Sleeping with windows open is also part of aerotherapy. The technique helps to increase the body’s immune reactivity and to quickly relieve the external symptoms of psoriasis.
Thalassotherapy and balneotherapy
The positive effect of sea water on the condition of the skin in psoriasis was noted in ancient times. Currently, to achieve a stable remission, dosed sea bathing in combination with helio and aerotherapy is prescribed. When treating at the Dead Sea, the stay in the water should not exceed 20 minutes before each sun exposure. The Dead Sea water is oversaturated with salts of chlorine, bromine, iodine, sodium, magnesium and other trace elements, thanks to which the skin is effectively cleansed of psoriatic plaques.
Thus, when a spa treatment for psoriasis is needed , Israel offers the best combination of climatic conditions to achieve a quick and lasting result. The duration of remission after a course of treatment at the Dead Sea can reach 2 or even 3 years.
Treatment with mineral springs also gives good results. Natural radon, hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, iodine-bromine baths are very effective . Recently, a new curious direction in the spa treatment of psoriasis has appeared – ichthyotherapy , treatment with fish. Small fish have adapted to bite off dead cells from the skin of people entering the water. They quickly cleanse the skin of psoriatic scabs , and the spring water, rich in selenium and zinc, washes out the opened wounds and promotes their rapid healing.