Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition in which the skin cells shed too quickly. The result of this abnormal shedding process is thickened, inflamed, scaly patches of skin. Psoriasis can be managed with topical steroid medications to reduce inflammation, systemic drugs to inhibit immune response, and exposure to UV rays.
Certain types of spa treatments, including balneology, a form of water therapy, "mud" treatments and massage may all be beneficial to psoriasis sufferers. If you are diagnosed with this skin disease, speak to your doctor about trying alternative spa treatments to control your symptoms.
Balneotherapy
Balneotherapy is another term for hydrotherapy, or using water as a treatment for medical conditions. Balneotherapy for psoriasis includes soaking in water that is treated with different kinds of minerals that have a therapeutic effect on the lesions and scales that are consistent with psoriasis.
The May 2002 issue of the "Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology" reports that people who had spa treatments with sulphate-rich mineral waters showed a marked improvement in inflammatory status.
Black Lagoon, a skin care clinic in Iceland, notes that mineral waters between 100 to 105 degrees F are better able to promote circulation of the skin, which can enhance the effectiveness of balneotherapy treatments.
Massage
A relaxing massage is a type of spa treatment that could be an alternative management tool for the pain associated with some types of psoriasis, as well as a stress reducer. The National Psoriasis Foundation points out that massage as a whole might be able to reduce the pain that accompanies psoriatic arthritis, a type of joint pain that sometimes comes along with the skin symptoms of psoriasis.
Massage with essential oils, including emu oil, a powerful emollient that softens the thick plaques of the skin condition and might be appropriate for some patients. Spa staff should be alerted to the fact that you have psoriasis before you arrive for your massage.
Mud Treatment
Spa treatments may include special muds and algae in conjunction with balneology to improve your condition.
Silica mud, used as a natural psoriasis therapy, and shower products that include mineral-rich algae are thought to improve your circulation and exfoliate scales and plaque that remain on the surface of your skin.
Spa treatments to aid psoriasis are often used in addition to UV light therapy, a more conventional treatment for the skin condition.
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