Do you fancy a dip in the Dead Sea?
Why is it called the Dead Sea? It is known as the Dead Sea due to the absence of aquatic organisms such as fish or water plants live in it due to its high salinity, which increases with depth.
With over 300 days of sunshine a year, the Dead Sea attracting an increasing number of patients suffering from a variety of illnesses annually. According to Wolf et al (2003), the Dead Sea and the region around its shores filled of life, and the major powers of its waters, especially in treating rheumatism and skin diseases have been recognized since antiquity. Natural elements and minerals in the sea, in addition to those present on the shores of mud, you must provide water for its healing powers. Climatological and therapies as treatments recognized balneological spa by patients, doctors and dermatologists have led to the use of artificial light rooms of ultraviolet A (UVA), UVB and photochemotherapy (PUVA) [1-3].
Climatotherapy
Climatotherapy is the treatment of a disease through residence in a suitable climate. In the Dead Sea, Climatotherapy is a natural approach to treat psoriasis and other skin diseases, and has been used successfully for over 25 years in the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis [3, 4].
So what makes the Dead Sea and so attractive that might be asked to Climatotherapy? Well, leaving aside the sheer pleasure of taking time to pamper yourself with the excuse of treating a disease of the skin, this treatment works because of the natural curative factors in the Dead Sea [2, 3].
Sunlight / Radiation UV
Successful treatment of diseases at the Dead Sea does not imply drug use, however, comes from natural UV radiation filtered with minimal phototoxicity allowing prolonged exposure to sunlight. Its relatively safe UV radiation due to the thick atmospheric layer over the Dead Sea, with its vapor and fog, and the great amount of ozone, which is minimally depleted compared to other areas and to low humidity and warm climate. Due to the suppression of radiation UV, and UV radiation exposure of the environment is possible and, as such, some patients can not tolerate prolonged exposure to sunlight at sea level can do it the Dead Sea [1, 2].
Climate
The temperature of the area surrounding the Dead Sea is high all year, with an annual average of 30.4 ° C. The humidity is low, making it rain [2].
The thick fog which overlooks the Dead Sea is rich in minerals, in particular bromine. The high level of bromine in the atmosphere that hangs over the Dead Sea is the result of bromine-containing aerosols from the sea. It is believed that inhalation of bromide improves the condition of psoriasis, particularly those with psoriasis stress-related because they have a relaxing and sedative effect. The atmosphere in the Dead Sea is also rich in oxygen. This high level of oxygen is useful for respiration and activity extrametabolic [1, 2].
High mineral content
The high mineral content of the Dead Sea has also been considered a factor important in the treatment of a variety of diseases. The sea contains about 320 g / L with salts of KCl, MgCl2, CaCl2, NaCl and being the main components. Compared with the ocean, the Dead Sea is richer in the proportion of calcium, magnesium, potassium and bromine, and lowest in the ratio of sodium, sulfate and carbonate. Of the major importance of this list of elements and salts is magnesium, which has a concentration in the Dead Sea 30-times higher than in the ocean. This is important in certain processes the epidermis and an imbalance in these processes can lead to excessive cell proliferation, which is an important part of the psoriatic state. Consequently, a deep the Dead Sea can be useful in regulating levels of magnesium necessary in these processes of the epidermis. Magnesium also has an anticancer effect, so that tissues with high concentrations of magnesium have a lower incidence of cancer compared to tissues with lower concentrations of magnesium [1].
'Mud Black '
Another component of the mineral-rich Dead Sea is its "black mud", also known as "bituminous tar '. The therapeutic effect This processed sludge is due to its high mineral content and ability to retain heat for many hours, which stimulates blood circulation and skin-off dead cells of the epidermis. bituminous tar is historically known to have been used medically in the treatment of various rheumatic diseases, including psoriatic arthritis [1].
In addition …
The Dead Sea is relatively clear of the elements of pollution such as industrial waste, heavy traffic and intensive vegetation, which is ideal for the relief of respiratory ailments. The growth of house dust mites is inhibited in the climate of the Dead Sea and as such, makes a pollution-free and allergen environment of the poor [1].
Finally …
Type treatment to be administered is determined individually for each patient after a thorough examination and evaluation of the extent of the disease. Factors to be taken considered include percentage of participation from the skin, skin type, presence of skin diseases, previous treatment, and previous visits to the [Dead Sea 5].
Other skin diseases that can be treated by Climatotherapy in the Dead Sea, such as eczema, vitiligo and atopic dermatitis [5].
Treatment Centers are available at the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea spa treatment centers in Israel were established many years ago and have attracted thousands of patients from several countries including the United Kingdom, France and the U.S. to name a few [2]. The Dead Sea Spa Treatment Village in Jordan was launched in July 1991 and has received thousands of patients affected psoriasis since then [2].
Additional benefits
Visit the Dead Sea region is also an ideal way to visit Israel. travel distances are short, with Jerusalem only an hour, Tel-Aviv (30 minutes flight time).
The Dead Sea region offers fascinating biblical, archeological and historical sites: such as the mountain fortress of Masada, Qumran, where the famous Dead Sea Scrolls were found in ancient pottery jars, Ein Gedi, where David found refuge from King Saul, and the first monasteries of the Christian monks in the Judean desert. natural sites include the caves and eases of Ein Gedi, the guns Judea Desert, Mount Sodom, a mountain range 11 miles long pure salt, and flour the spectacular cave, so named because its interior-like powder.
For the adventurous there is abseiling, rock climbing, and rental of all terrain vehicles for exploring desert areas otherwise inaccessible [6].
Terms free medical climatotherapy
Although Climatotherapy is a natural treatment is beneficial for both healthy and sick, certain medical conditions may be exempted from treatment. Patients with these diseases, therefore, need to consult your physician before starting a stay at the Dead Sea [1]. These include,
1. Photoaggravated skin disease
2. Certain skin cancer (melanoma malignum, epithelial malignant tumors)
3. Epidermolyses – This is characterized by blisters, blisters and scarring This prevents patients from being exposed to the sun and water with high salinity due to the strong feeling of burning and the danger of secondary infections.
4. Photodermatosis idiopathic
5. Acute skin infections (bacterial or viral) – Patients who suffer from this are particularly excluded due to the fact that viral infections are caused by local sunlight and infected wounds tend to expand after bathing in the Dead Sea. These patients should be treated with antibiotics and / or antiseptics before his visit to the Dead Sea
6. Concomitant diseases such as acute infections of the internal visceral malignancies, and other internal diseases. These require immediate attention and intensive hospital treatment.
Certain risk groups are also contraindicated, including
1. Psychiatric patients serious
2. Acute alcohol
These groups are at risk because they may lose control of themselves in non-hospital settings. Patients with immunodeficiency diseases, such as AIDS are also contraindicated in the Dead Sea by the immunosuppressive effect of UV radiation, which increases the risk of infection [1].
Precautions
Certain drugs can cause discomfort on exposure to sunlight, causing a worsening of the skin to an eruptive phase. Substances associated with drug-induced light eruptions include tetracyclines, amiodarone, sulfonamides, to name a few. Another situation that needs to be treated with caution in the Dead Sea, is an emergency caused by drugs of heat which occurs when the body is unable to dissipate heat properly. Generally, with increasing temperature above 35 ° C (as is typical in the Dead Sea), virtually all body heat is lost through evaporation. A number of medications negatively affect thermoregulation. These include amphetamines and cocaine, which increase muscle activity and heat production, as well as antidepressants and phenothiazines, which block the impulses that mediate sweating. The elderly patients (especially those 65 and older) have a 12-13 times higher incidence of heat stroke than the rest of the population and as such should be cautious taking drugs that impair thermoregulation before treatment in the [Dead Sea 1].
Proposed side effects in the Dead Sea
There are almost no effect side during and after treatment in the Dead Sea Climatotherapy, and there is a very low risk of potential damage to general health. According to Shani et al (1997) some commentaries have been published about the side effects of Climatotherapy in the Dead Sea. In a long-term study conducted between 1988 and 1994, the most common side effects were sunburn, sun allergy, common cold, edema, and gastroenteritis, to name a few. The incidence of these side effects was quite minimal and most effects were not related to climatic treatment, also in most cases, these side effects disappeared a few days after outpatient treatment [1].
Other sites Climatotherapy
Apart from the Dead Sea, other places where there climatotherapy available. These places also are such that the environment and the natural elements are said to be therapeutic for psoriasis. These sites include
1. The Red Sea in Egypt where the water contains unique properties, which are said to help with certain diseases. Its climate is similar to the Dead Sea.
2. The Canary Islands, where there is a psoriasis treatment center.
3. The Blue Lagoon, located in Iceland. It has a unique mineral content and contains salts, silica and blue green algae.
4. France and Canada also have sites where patients can go to address a number of diseases.
The last words …
By making use of the available curative factors in the Dead Sea, climatotherapy has shown encouraging results, especially for patients with psoriasis. The treatment is a natural, safe (suitable for children, the elderly and pregnant women) and gentle therapy, and patient compliance (following strict medical supervision) may be just a matter of capacity to take the time and cover travel and accommodation costs [2, 3].
The question remains …. Fancy a depth of the Dead Sea?
Useful links
Life: Dead Sea
http://www.deadsea.co.il/index.php?page_id=1&lang_action=change_lang&to_lang=en&geo_action=done
Research Center Dead Sea
http://www.deadsea-health.org/
National Psoriasis Foundation. Other sites climatotherapy
http://www.psoriasis.org/treatment/psoriasis/sun/other_sites.php
Dead Sea Guide
http://www.dead-sea.net/f-healing.htm
References
1. Shani J. et al. Indications, contraindications and possible adverse side of the Dead Sea Climatotherapy Int J Dermatol 1997; 36: 481-492.
2. Oumeish OY. Climatotherapy in the Dead Sea in Jordan. Dermatol Clin 1996; 14: 659-664.
3. Wolf R, Orion E, H. Matz Climatotherapy: There is Life in the Dead Sea. Imaj 2003, 5: 124-125.
4. E. Hodak et al. Climatotherapy in the Dead Sea is a treatment for psoriasis remittive: combined effects of skin and immune activation. J Am Acad Dermatol 2003; 49 (3): 451-457.
5. Hristakieva E. Climatotherapy in Dermatology: Why when and how? Trakia J Sci 2005, 3 (4): 27-31.
6. Israel Medical Guide. Guide Dead sea. Available at: http://www.dead-sea.net/f-healing.htm. Access on: July 26, 2007.
Resignation
This item is for informational purposes only. Not intended as medical advice and is not a substitute for advice medical professional. Please consult your doctor for all your medical concerns. Please follow any information given in this article only after consulting your doctor or other qualified medical professional. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from any information obtained from this article.
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