Fancy a dip in the Dead Sea?
Why is it called the Dead Sea? It is known as the Dead Sea, because aquatic organisms such as fish or water plants live in it due to its high salinity, which increases with depth.
With over 300 sunny days a year, the Sea Dead is attracting a growing 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 are full of life, and the major powers of its waters, especially in treating rheumatism and skin diseases have been recognized since antiquity. The natural elements and minerals in the sea, besides the clay present in the coasts, to water his healing powers. Climatological recognized as balneotherapy treatments treatments spa by patients, doctors and dermatologists have been using artificial light rooms, ultraviolet A (UVA), UVB and photochemotherapy (PUVA) [1-3].
Climatotherapy
Climatotherapy is the treatment of disease by residence in a suitable climate. The Dead Sea is a natural approach Climatotherapy for treatment of 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 an engaging Climatotherapy may ask? Well, apart from the pleasure of taking time to pamper yourself with the pretext of trying a skin disease, this treatment works due to the natural curative factors in the Dead Sea [2, 3].
Sunlight / UV
The Successful treatment of diseases at the Dead Sea does not imply the use of drugs, but ultraviolet radiation comes from naturally filtered with minimal phototoxicity allowing prolonged exposure to sunlight. Its UV radiation is relatively safe because of the thick atmospheric layer over the Dead Sea, with its vapor and fog, and the large amount of ozone, which is minimally reduced compared to other areas as well as low humidity and warm climate. Due to the elimination of radiation UV, and exposure to UV radiation from the environment is possible and, as such, some patients can not tolerate prolonged exposure to sunlight in the sea level, can do in the Dead Sea [1, 2].
Weather
The temperature of the area surrounding the Dead Sea is high throughout the 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, especially bromine. The high level of bromine in the atmosphere hangs over the Sea Dead is the result of bromine-containing aerosols from the sea. It is believed that inhalation of bromide improves the condition of psoriasis, particularly those related to stress with psoriasis, as they have a relaxing and sedative effect. The atmosphere over the Dead Sea is also rich in oxygen. This high level of oxygen is useful for extrametabolic respiratory activity [1, 2].
High mineral content
The high content of Dead Sea minerals has also been considered an important factor in the treatment of a variety of diseases. The sea contains about 320 g / L salts KCl, MgCl2, CaCl2, NaCl, and being the largest components. Compared to the sea, Dead Sea is rich in proportion of calcium, magnesium, potassium and bromine, and lower in the ratio of sodium, sulfate and carbonate. Of major importance of this list of items and magnesium salts, having a concentration in the Dead Sea 30 times higher than in the ocean. This is important in certain processes of the epidermis and an imbalance these processes can lead to excessive cell proliferation, which is an important part of the psoriatic state. Consequently, deep in the Dead Sea can be useful in regulating levels of magnesium necessary in these processes in the epidermis. Magnesium also has an anticancer effect, so that the tissues have high concentrations of magnesium have a lower incidence of cancer compared to tissues with low concentrations of magnesium [1].
"Black mud"
Another component mineral-rich Dead Sea is its "black mud", also known as "bituminous tar. The therapeutic effect of these processed sludge is due to its high mineral content and ability to retain heat for several hours, which stimulates blood circulation and eliminate the skin of dead skin cells. Tar Tar is historically known to have been used in medicine for 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 or heavy vegetation, which is ideal for the relief of respiratory ailments. The growth of house dust mites is inhibited in the climate Dead Sea and, as such, it becomes a pollutant and allergen-poor environment [1].
Finally …
The type of treatment administered is determined individually for each patient after a complete review and assessment of the extent of the disease. Factors to be considered include the percentage of the presence of skin involvement, skin type, skin diseases, prior treatment, and previous visits to the Dead Sea [5].
Other diseases of the skin, which can be treated by Climatotherapy at the Dead Sea, such as eczema, vitiligo and atopic dermatitis [5].
Treatment Centers are available on the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea spa treatment centers in Israel was established many years ago and have attracted thousands of patients from several countries including the UK, France and USA to name a few [2]. The Dead Sea Spa Treatment Village in Jordan was launched in July 1991 and has received thousands of patients suffering from psoriasis since [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's drive, and Tel-Aviv (30 minutes flight time).
The Dead Sea region offers fascinating biblical, archeological and historic sites, as the mountain fortress of Masada, Qumran, where the famous Dead Sea Scrolls were found in ancient pottery jars, Ein Gedi, where David hid from King Saul and the early Christian monasteries of monks in the desert of Judea. Natural sites are the caves and eases of Ein Gedi, guns the Judean Desert, Mount Sodom, a mountain range 11 miles long of pure salt, flour and spectacular cave, called by the dust, and interior.
To the more adventurous there is abseiling, rock climbing, and rental of all terrain vehicles to explore inaccessible desert areas [6].
Medical Conditions free climatotherapy
Although Climatotherapy is a natural treatment, beneficial to both healthy and sick, certain medical conditions may be exempt from the treatment. Ill patients therefore should consult your doctor before you start your stay at the Dead Sea [1]. These include
1. Dermatosis Photoaggravated
2. Certain malignancies of skin (melanoma malignum, malignant epithelial tumors)
3. Epidermolyses – This is characterized by blisters, blisters and scars, which prevents patients from being exposed to the sun and waters of high salinity, due to strong burning sensation and the danger of secondary infections.
4. Idiopathic Photodermatoses
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 visiting 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 immune deficiency diseases, such as AIDS are also contraindicated in the Dead Sea, due to the immunosuppressive effect of UV radiation, which increases the risk of infection [1].
Precautions
Certain medications can cause discomfort on exposure to sunlight, causing a worsening of the skin to an eruptive phase. Substances associated with light-induced eruptions by drugs such as tetracyclines, amiodarone, sulfonamides, to name a few. Another situation that must be treated with caution in the Dead Sea, is induced by the drug emergency heat, which occurs when the body is unable to dissipate heat properly. Usually, when the temperature rises above 35 ° C (as usually in the Dead Sea), virtually all body heat is lost through evaporation. A number of drugs that adversely affect thermoregulation. These include amphetamines and cocaine, which increase muscle activity and heat production, as well as antidepressants and phenothiazines, which block the impulses involved sweating. Older patients (especially those who are over 65) have an incidence 12 to 13 times more for heat than the rest of the population and as such should be cautious about taking medications that affect thermoregulation before treatment at the Dead Sea [1].
Side effects proposed in the Sea Dead
There are almost no side effects during and after treatment in the Dead Sea Climatotherapy, and there is little risk of damage to overall health. In accordance with Shani et al (1997) Some comments have been published about the side effects of Climatotherapy at the Dead Sea. In a long-term study conducted between 1988 and 1994, the effects most frequent side sunburn, sun allergy, common cold, edema, and gastroenteritis, to name a few. The incidence of these side effects was quite low and most of the effects were not related to the treatment climate, also in most cases, these side effects disappeared within a few days after the outpatient treatment [1].
Other sites Climatotherapy
Apart from the Dead Sea, other places climatotherapy has to exist. These places are such that the environment and natural elements are said to be especially therapeutic for psoriasis. These sites include
1. The Sea Red in Egypt where the water has unique properties which are said to help with certain diseases. Its climate is similar to that in the Dead Sea.
2. The Canary Islands, where 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 places where patients can go to treat a variety of diseases.
The last words …
By using curative factors available at the Dead Sea, climatotherapy has shown encouraging results, especially for patients with psoriasis. Treatment is a natural, safe (suitable for children, the elderly and pregnant women), and gentle therapy, and patient compliance (following a strict medical supervision) can only be a matter the ability to take the time and cover travel and accommodation [2, 3].
The question remains …. Fancy a depth of the Dead Sea?
Links
Live: The Dead Sea
http://www.deadsea.co.il/index.php?page_id=1&lang_action=change_lang&to_lang=en&geo_action=done
The Dead Sea Research Center
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 side Climatotherapy side of the dead sea. Int J Dermatol 1997; 36: 481-492.
2. Oumeish OY. Climatotherapy at the Dead Sea in Jordan. Dermatol Clin 1996; 14: 659-664.
3. Wolf R, Orion E, Matz H. Climatotherapy: It is Life in the Dead Sea. Imaj 2003, 5: 124-125.
4. Hodak E. et al. Climatotherapy at the Dead Sea is a treatment for psoriasis remittive: The combined effects of epidermal and immunological activation. J Am Acad Dermatol 2003; 49 (3): 451-457.
5. Hristakieva E. Climatotherapy in Dermatology: Why, how and when? Trakia J Sci 2005; 3 (4): 27-31.
6. Israel Medical Guide. Guide to the Dead Sea. Available at: http://www.dead-sea.net/f-healing.htm. Accessed: July 26, 2007.
Resignation
This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for all your medical concerns. Please follow any information given in this article only after consult your physician 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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Allergymatters was founded in 2001 and has successfully established itself as the #1 resource for allergies. Our aim is to promote good health to allergy sufferers through our knowledge and up-to-date information, advice and recommended products.
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Day Of The Dead (1985) George A Romero – Part 1
