Holidays and Psoriasis: What You Should Know

For people with psoriasis, a holiday is often a bit of a challenge. The scaly skin condition not only restricts everyday life but can also dampen the anticipation of a trip. But there is a tried-and-tested tip that helps many people look forward to their holiday more: a stay by the sea or a spa cure with salt water therapy.

The benefits of salt water for psoriasis

While on land it is mainly UV rays and the change of climate that do you good, salt water from the sea or from natural brine springs plays a special role. The sea salt it contains has an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and itch-relieving effect. The high concentration of minerals such as magnesium, calcium, potassium and zinc cares for and regenerates the skin. Bathing regularly in brine can reduce excess scaling, stimulate skin renewal and relieve itching.

Studies confirm the positive effect of salt water on psoriasis. In one study with more than 200 people affected, brine baths clearly improved the symptoms in the majority of participants – especially in those who had only had psoriasis for a short time.

By the way, it is not only psoriasis that benefits: for atopic dermatitis, too, the stimulating seaside climate with salt water and clean air (thalassotherapy or climatotherapy) is considered soothing – one reason why many people affected deliberately travel to the North Sea or Baltic Sea.

Recommended destinations and spa stays

Destinations with direct access to the sea, such as the North Sea and Baltic Sea coasts or the Mediterranean, are particularly suitable: the water is usually not too cold, and the coastal regions offer a pleasant, temperate climate. A classic of climatotherapy is the Dead Sea – its particularly mineral-rich water and naturally filtered sunlight make it one of the best places for psoriasis skin.

Brine springs and salt lakes in Germany are also excellent for therapeutic stays if a long journey is out of the question.

Tips for a psoriasis-friendly holiday

A few things that make your holiday with psoriasis easier:

• Prefer locations right by the beach, and tend to avoid chlorinated water in pools.
• Bathe briefly but often: 10–20 minutes in salt water is ideal.
• Apply cream before and after bathing, and make sure you have sun protection.
• Avoid direct midday sun – it is better to bathe in the morning.
• Choose mild, humid climate zones by the sea (North Sea and Baltic Sea).
• Pack plenty of psoriasis care – for example the Pso Kit for your daily routine on the go.
• Check your travel insurance.

Health insurance support for spa cures

The German statutory health insurance funds often subsidise inpatient spa stays for people with psoriasis, at least in part. This usually requires a doctor's prescription, and certain conditions set by the respective health insurance fund must be met.

For example, the Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) provides subsidies for three-week mother-child or father-child spa cures and for follow-up cures after a hospital stay. The DAK also supports rehab and spa stays for psoriasis with a fixed subsidy.

With Barmer, it depends on the individual case: if the rehab measure is considered worthwhile, there is a subsidy for day-patient and inpatient spa cures. The exact amounts are set by each fund – it is best to ask them directly.

So the subsidy depends heavily on the health insurance fund and on your individual circumstances. Applying early is worthwhile in any case.

Conclusion: salt water as part of a holistic therapy

A holiday by the sea or in a saline region with targeted salt water therapy can be a valuable building block of your psoriasis treatment. The positive effects are enhanced in combination with other building blocks such as medical therapy, UVB phototherapy and a balanced diet.

And you don't just benefit physically: a change of scenery brings distance from everyday life, relaxation and a new zest for life. Psoriasis doesn't have to spoil your travels.