For psoriasis sufferers, vacation is often a challenge. The scaly skin disease not only restricts everyday life, but can also spoil the anticipation of the trip. But there is a tried and tested tip that helps many psoriatic patients look forward to it more: a vacation at the sea or a spa stay with salt water therapy.
The Benefits of Salt Water for Psoriasis
While on land it is primarily UV rays and the change in climate that have a beneficial effect on the skin, salt water from the sea or natural springs with a high salt content (so-called brine springs) play a very special role. The sea salt it contains has an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-itching effect . The high concentration of minerals such as magnesium , calcium , potassium and zinc has a nourishing and regenerating effect on the skin. Regular bathing in the brine can reduce excess flaking, stimulate skin renewal and relieve itching.
Studies confirm the positive effects of salt water on psoriasis . A study of over 200 psoriasis patients showed that the symptoms of over 80% of the participants improved significantly after bathing in brine baths. The best results were seen in patients who had only suffered from psoriasis for a short time.
Recommended travel destinations and spa stays
Destinations with direct access to the sea, such as the North and Baltic Sea coasts in Germany or the Mediterranean region, are particularly recommended for a psoriasis holiday. The bathing water here is usually not too cold; the islands and coastal regions offer a pleasant, temperate climate.
Brine springs and salt lakes all over Germany are also ideal for therapy stays.
Tips for a “psoriasis-friendly vacation”
Below are a few tips that could help when on vacation with psoriasis:
- Prefer a direct beach location and avoid chlorine water from pools
- Plan short but frequent bathing times in salt water of 10-20 minutes
- Apply cream to your skin before and after bathing and provide sun protection
- Protect from direct midday sun and, if possible, swim in the morning
- Prefer mild, humid climate zones near the sea (North Baltic Sea).
- Pack plenty of psoriasis care products such as ointments, shampoos, etc
- Check travel insurance
Support for cures through health insurance companies
Statutory health insurance companies often at least partially subsidize inpatient spa stays for psoriasis sufferers. A doctor's prescription is often necessary for this and certain requirements must be met, which are specified by the individual health insurance company.
For example, the Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) covers subsidies for three-week mother-child or father-child treatments as well as for follow-up treatments after a hospital stay. The duration must be at least two weeks. The DAK also supports rehabilitation and spa stays as well as follow-up rehabilitation for psoriasis with a fixed subsidy of up to 400 euros.
At Barmer it depends on the individual case - if the rehabilitation measure is considered useful, there are subsidies of up to 200 euros per person per year for partial and full inpatient treatment.
The financial subsidy depends heavily on the health insurance company as well as the individual requirements and regulations. It can definitely be worthwhile to apply early.
Conclusion: Salt water - part of a holistic therapy
A vacation by the sea or in a saline region with targeted salt water therapy can certainly be part of a holistic treatment for psoriasis. The positive effects are intensified in combination with other therapy components such as drug treatments, UVB radiation and a healthy, alkaline diet.
Psoriasis sufferers not only benefit physically from the trip, but often also mentally. The change of scenery brings distance from everyday life, a healthy dose of relaxation and new joy in life despite the skin disease. After all, psoriasis doesn’t have to ruin your trip.
