The Dead Sea
One of the best known climatotherapy sites is
the Dead Sea, which offers formalized treatment facilities for
psoriasis.
At 1,200 feet below sea level, the Dead Sea is the lowest
point on the earth's surface. This creates a very unique
climate that allows people to sunbathe for long periods of
time without burning. The Dead Sea water is said to have a
therapeutic effect on the skin due to its high salt and
mineral content. It has an extraordinarily high salt content
of 33 percent. In comparison, the Great Salt Lake in Utah has
22 percent, and the oceans have 3 percent.
The Dead Sea area is hot and sunny with more than 300
cloudless days a year and very low rainfall. The only time the
Dead Sea treatment clinics are closed is in the month of
January, which is usually cloudy. The average temperature at
the Dead Sea is 90 degrees, and the average humidity is 35
percent. Because it is far below sea level, an atmospheric
filter is created that eliminates many of the burning rays and
much of the heat. In addition, high levels of bromine in the
air seem to add to a patient's sense of well-being.
The main elements of Dead Sea climatotherapy are sun
exposure and bathing in the sea waters. Psoriasis patients
sunbathe in large enclosed solariums; there is a central
public solarium and almost all of the hotels have private
solariums for their guests. Sun exposure is gradually
increased to a total of three to six hours per day, and
bathing in the Dead Sea is limited to 30 minutes at a time,
twice per day.
Moisturizers, keratolytics (agents that remove the scales)
or other mild topical
preparations may be recommended for some patients. In very
resistant cases, more potent medications can be used at the
beginning of treatment. Most patients are under the regular
supervision of a dermatologist from one of the Dead Sea's
medical clinics.
Patients are advised to stay at least four weeks to get the
maximum benefit and maximum remission time. Some people
experience a substantial improvement in two weeks, but most do
not show significant improvement until at least the third
week.
According to several published studies, about 80 percent to
90 percent of the people visiting the Dead Sea for psoriasis
treatments can expect to clear or significantly improve. Less
than 1 percent of people see no change or get worse.
Once the psoriasis is clear, the length of remission
varies. A 1999 study published in the International Journal
of Dermatology looked at 100 patients with psoriasis who
traveled for treatment to the Dead Sea. Of the 75 individuals
who achieved clearance after four weeks at the Dead Sea, 68
percent were still in remission after four months, 43 percent
after six months and 10 percent after eight months. In a 2003
study published in the Journal of the American Academy of
Dermatology, 27 patients with plaque psoriasis received
treatment at the Dead Sea with daily bathing in the water and
sunlight exposure. Of those patients, 48 percent achieved
complete remission and 41 percent showed a moderate to marked
response. The average remission period for the individuals who
achieved complete clearance was 3.3 months.
Psoriatic
arthritis can be treated with applications of Dead Sea mud
to affected joints and regular baths in sulfur pools, combined
with sun exposure and bathing in the Dead Sea. Also, the high
concentration of minerals in the Dead Sea produces a high
water density that allows the human body to float almost
effortlessly. Arthritis patients float in the Dead Sea to
facilitate movement of swollen painful joints. Many treatment
centers also provide physical therapy services.
Dead Sea salts, mud and other products containing the
minerals of the Dead Sea are available over the counter
through a variety of companies based in Israel and in the
United States. These may be helpful for some, particularly in
relieving itching and redness. However, studies have shown
that the most effective part of the Dead Sea treatment regimen
is the unique light exposure, and not the minerals in the Dead
Sea water.
Hotels and treatment clinics at the Dead Sea
In Israel there are a variety of psoriasis treatment
clinics and numerous hotels in an area called Ein Bokek on the
Dead Sea's shores. Ein Bokek is where the vast majority of
psoriasis treatment takes place at the Dead Sea. A small
treatment center is also open at the north end of the Dead
Sea. Accommodations are available at a nearby kibbutz
(village).
Because of the geographic location of the Dead Sea, it is
important to check travel advisories before booking a trip to
the Middle East.
Visit the Dead Sea Guide Web site at http://www.dead-sea.net/ for information on
traveling to the Dead Sea.
Learn more about The Dead Sea Wonder, Natural Skin Care or Anti-Aging
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