Contrary to popular belief about psoriasis, the patient is not cured of it but can experience long periods of remission during which the disease remains discreet. Certain methods help relieve psoriasis attacks. Focus on thermal treatments for psoriasis.
Psoriasis is a chronic disease of the superficial layer of the skin, caused by abnormal renewal of epidermis cells. Psoriasis is characterized by red inflammation of the skin, which develops in outbreaks, topped by numerous and thick scales (fine sheets of dead skin).
There are different types of psoriasis: nail psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, plaque psoriasis. This disease can affect any part of the body but most often affects the elbows, knees, lumbar region, scalp and legs. When a person is affected by gout psoriasis, a spa treatment can be a real option to consider.
What are the effects of thermal treatments against psoriasis?
First of all, you should not confuse spa treatment (or hydrotherapy) and thalassotherapy. The latter is more preventive and relaxing while the first has a real medical purpose. It uses mineral water from a natural spring.
Thermal treatments are recognized as having beneficial effects on certain skin pathologies, particularly psoriasis. There are even thermal cures which offer to combine natural treatment with food rebalancing.
Three techniques are used during the treatment:
- External hydrotherapy: baths, showers, mud, massages, swimming pool, sprays, etc.
- Internal hydrotherapy: inhalations, aerosols, internal showers, etc.
- Completed with a course of mineral water to drink.
French social security has established a list of pathologies for which thermal treatment can be reimbursed with a prescription from the general practitioner. We find in this list: neurological disorders, gynecological, psychiatric, phlebology and rheumatological problems among others. And, good news, there are also certain dermatological concerns such as psoriasis.
How to choose your spa treatment for psoriasis?
Thermal waters specific to each skin problem
There are in fact thermal waters specific to each skin problem. Each water has its own properties. The choice of location for your treatment will therefore depend on your pathology. It is essential to find the most appropriate water to relieve you.
Geological criteria in particular will affect the composition of the water. They will contain more or less minerals, trace elements, allogenes, radioactive elements, vitamins.
Thermal cures are classified according to three main chemical characteristics:
- Sulphide or sulfate: water loaded with it suffers, ideal for respiratory tract problems and dermatological problems. You will find this water mainly in the Pyrenees, the Alps and the Vosges.
- Chloride: For growth problems, water rich in chloride will be perfect. You will find this water mainly in the north of the Pyrenees, the Alps, the Jura and Savoie.
- Bicarbonate: highly bicarbonated water is recommended for skin and gastrointestinal problems. You will find this water mainly in the Massif Central.
Natural treatment for psoriasis
Thermal water, through its anti-inflammatory, healing and calming action, can represent a real one-off treatment against psoriasis. Also think about Dead Sea cures for psoriasis!
However, psoriasis cannot be cured, and treatment must be renewed regularly. Regrowth most often appears after 3 to 6 months. For thermal treatments to be effective, the ideal would be to carry out at least 3 treatments of three weeks per year. Spa treatments are often a way to soothe the skin, reduce traces of psoriasis, and then approach a less restrictive treatment to follow over time.
References:
France Psoriasis, Thermal cures for psoriasis
Ooreka, Thermal cures and psoriasis
