Climatotherapy in Psoriasis

Hydroclimatology is used successfully as a treatment modality for psoriasis, either solely or as an adjunct to more specific treatments. Climatotherapy is a type of treatment utilizing the atmosphere, temperature, humidity, sun light, sea water, thermo-mineral water and mud. Therapeutic effect is achieved through the combined action of sun light, sea water, and fresh air and, of combinations with spa water. Some elements such as selenium, magnesium, potassium, slica, calcium, sulfates, and sodium, found in water, are believed to be absorbed through the skin, and are also beneficial for the good therapeutic response to climatotherapy. Important climatotherapy centers for psoriasis in the world are Dead Sea, Kangal Hot Spring with Fish, Blue Lagoon, Black Sea-Bulgaria, and La Roche- Possay. Climatotherapy of psoriasis are alternative therapeutic options for the management of psoriasis. The promising results together with the combination of treatment and complete physical/mental recreation result in the growing popularity of these therapeutic options amongst the patients. However, further research and larger controlled studies are needed to evaluate the mechanism of action as well as to compare the efficacy of climatherapy to conventional therapeutic modalities. (Turkderm 2008; 42 Suppl 2: 57-5)