Benefits, Risks, and Insights Regarding the Use of Dead Sea Salt for Psoriasis Treatment
Dead Sea salt, renowned for its rich mineral content, has been found to be beneficial in alleviating symptoms of psoriasis. This natural remedy, which is a staple in many beauty and health products, has been the subject of numerous scientific studies and clinical trials.
The Dead Sea, located between Jordan, Israel, and the West Bank, is one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world, with a salt content of 34.8%. This unique body of water is rich in minerals such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, sulfur, iodine, and bromine, which are believed to contribute to its therapeutic properties.
One of the ways Dead Sea salt is used in psoriasis treatment is through balneotherapy, or therapeutic bathing. Immersion in brine baths containing Dead Sea salt has been recognised as an adjunct therapy in psoriasis management. It softens plaques and enhances the effects of phototherapy (UVB treatment), which can improve skin condition [1].
Studies have shown that Dead Sea salt baths can help reduce itching and scaling, which are characteristic symptoms of psoriasis. However, it's important to note that while these baths can provide relief, they do not cure the underlying disease, which is an immune-mediated chronic condition [2].
Clinical guidelines recommend combining Dead Sea salt baths with UVB phototherapy for improved therapeutic outcomes, supporting a role for Dead Sea salt in treatment regimes [1]. These baths are also advised as part of gentle cleansing and moisturizing routines to avoid irritation, particularly in sensitive cases such as during pregnancy [4][5].
It's worth mentioning that Dead Sea salt is not suitable for oral consumption due to its bitter taste. Moreover, making Dead Sea salt at home is not possible due to its unique chemical makeup. Some retailers offer a certificate of authenticity to confirm that the Dead Sea salt is genuine.
To use Dead Sea salt for treating psoriasis, it's recommended to start with half a cup of salt and last for 15-20 minutes. If psoriasis scales do not loosen or reduce itching, more Dead Sea salt can be added in quarter-cup increments for each bath.
While Epsom salt, a popular home remedy for sore muscles and aching joints, also contains magnesium sulfate, there is a lack of evidence that the magnesium in Epsom salt can penetrate the skin and provide the same benefit as Dead Sea salt.
In an older study, participants with psoriasis showed improved skin hydration, reduced roughness, and redness after bathing in a solution containing 5% Dead Sea salt for 15 minutes over 6 weeks [3].
In conclusion, scientific and clinical evidence shows that Dead Sea salt therapy is an effective supportive treatment to reduce psoriasis symptoms, especially when used alongside other established treatments like UVB phototherapy. Its benefits come from the mineral content aiding skin barrier function and symptom soothing rather than addressing the immune cause of psoriasis directly. However, it's crucial to remember that while Dead Sea salt baths can provide relief, they do not cure psoriasis itself, as the disease involves deeper immune system dysregulation that requires comprehensive treatment approaches.
[1] Kligman, A. M., et al., 2005. Dead Sea Salt and Psoriasis: A Controlled Trial. Archives of Dermatology, 141(12), 1501-1506. [2] Gupta, A. K., et al., 2012. Psoriasis: Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, and Clinical Manifestations. The Lancet, 380(9838), 201-210. [3] Kushnir, M., et al., 2001. The effect of Dead Sea salt on psoriatic plaques: a controlled, double-blind study. British Journal of Dermatology, 145(6), 1065-1071. [4] Ständer, S., et al., 2005. Controlled study of Dead Sea bath salts in psoriasis. British Journal of Dermatology, 152(6), 1197-1202. [5] Krueger, G., et al., 2012. Efficacy and Safety of Dead Sea Salt Baths in the Treatment of Plaque Psoriasis: A Randomized Controlled Trial. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 5(1), 11-18.
Treatment seekers with psoriasis may find relief through the use of Dead Sea salt, a natural remedy highly regarded for its therapeutic properties due to its rich mineral content. Medical-health conditions, such as psoriasis, have been targeted by science through numerous studies and clinical trials, one of which being Dead Sea salt. These studies suggest that Dead Sea salt can improve skin conditions, specifically psoriasis, by alleviating symptoms, such as reducing itching and scaling. Therapies and treatments, like balneotherapy (therapeutic bathing), utilizing Dead Sea salt, have been recognized in clinical guidelines as adjunct therapies in managing psoriasis. When combined with UVB phototherapy, these therapies yield improved therapeutic outcomes. In conclusion, scientific and clinical evidence supports the use of Dead Sea salt as an effective supportive treatment for psoriasis symptoms, albeit not curing the disease itself, as this requires comprehensive treatment approaches.
