Location: Dead Sea Facts & Info
Dead Sea Psoriasis Treatment
Three percent of the population suffers from psoriasis, a chronic, recurring skin disease. The origins of the name psoriasis are in the Greek word psora, which means “itch”, and its Hebrew name dates back to biblical times. The causes of this disease are unknown, although research shows it to be caused by a genetic predisposition as a result of the distortion of several genes. The disease is not contagious.
Types of psoriasis
Psoriasis of the scalp: affects 50% of all psoriasis sufferers.
Psoriasis vulgaris, also called plaque psoriasis: is characterized by large scales appearing on any part of the body. Especially common are the joints and head.
Guttate psoriasis: looks like small, red, individual drops on the skin. These lesions generally appear on the trunk and limbs. Guttate psoriasis is one of milder forms of the disease, because it is usually a result of a known streptococcus infection. The rate of recovery or remission is high (as high as 90!), with or without treatment. It may spontaneously disappear for good, leaving a person free of further outbreaks. Or it may clear for a time, only to reappear again with a recurrent bout of strep infection or other upper respiratory illness.
Pustular psoriasis: is characterized by blisters or pustules containing pus. The lesions are not infected nor are they contagious. Initially, small red spots appear on the skin; these spots become pustular, form scabs and then fall off.
Nail psoriasis: affects fingernails and toenails. The nail plate, nail matrix, nails bed and cuticles may become scaly, pitted or discolored. The nails may thicken, loosen or fall off.
Psoriatic arthritis: causes swelling and pain in joints, as well as a scaly rash on the skin. The same factors which bring about other forms of the disease cause psoriatic arthritis. This occurs among 6-8 percent of psoriasis sufferers.
Triggering factors
Several factors can cause psoriasis to flare up or worsen. Among them:
- Physical and emotional stress, including excitement
- Sensitivity to any skin injury
- Sunless wintry weather
- Alcohol
- Smoking
- Being overweight
- Medicine
Treatment
Despite worldwide ongoing research, there is currently there is no known cure for psoriasis. The symptoms of psoriasis are alleviated; the scales are treated and sometimes brought into long term remission. Conventional medicine-prescription drugs, creams, phototherapy (PUVA, UVB), Dead Sea products-provide a partial solution; alternative medicine such as homeopathy has also been tested.
Recent conventional research has been focused on the causes, not the symptoms of the disease. This experimental genetic research is being carried out in twelve different countries but it has not yet yielded approved treatments. The results are encouraging, although it has been difficult to pinpoint a treatment which is applicable for all patients. Some patients respond partially, others completely, and still others may go into extended remission.
Psoriasis and the Dead Sea
The lowest place on earth is a known natural medical wonder. Sufferers from many diseases have found substantial relief from their illnesses. This aspect of the Dead Sea is especially interesting for psoriasis patients.
The Dead Sea, located 400 meters below sea level is the most famous clinical resort for psoriasis sufferers. Visitors from all over the world congregate here, especially in the months May-June and September-October. Visitors come from Europe, America, and even Australia and the Far East. It is as common to hear English, German or Italian as it is to hear Hebrew.
The Dead Sea boasts a perfect combination of sunshine, air, and sea. The rays of the sun are less harmful, because they are filtered by the bromine and phosphate protective layers. The air itself is suffused with calming bromine vapors, and the Dead Sea water has no equal in healing psoriatic scales. A 28-day visit in the Dead Sea is the ideal stay for maximum results leading to remission. Exposure to sun should be gradual; one hour a day initially can be lengthened in half-hours increments up to six hours a day. The beneficial rays of the Dead Sea sun penetrate the scales and reach the skin cells. New skin is slowly regenerated. The regeneration will continue for one to two weeks after returning from the Dead Sea, as the skin recovers and new, healthy skin is exposed. The immediate effects of the Dead Sea are still felt days after returning.
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