Looking to know where you can treat psoriasis?
Read on to find out more about psoriasis and 10 places in the world where you can go on treatment.
How is psoriasis treated?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for psoriasis. Again, there are several ways in which you can manage the symptoms and minimize the discomfort.
The treatment of psoriasis is being divided into three basic strategies, depending on severity:
- creams,
- phototherapy (ultraviolet/sunlight) &
- systemic medication (oral or injectable drugs).
Topical cream & lotions
Topical treatments are usually the first treatment aimed at alleviating the symptoms of psoriasis and can work well to control the condition. Creams include emollients, soap substitutes, vitamin D, tar, and steroids which are being applied directly to the affected areas.
What to discuss when going abroad for psoriasis treatment
- Individualized treatment plans for patients based on symptoms, health, and treatment goals,
- Discuss different treatment options including topical therapies (creams, ointments), light treatments (phototherapy), oral therapies (pills), biologic medications (biologics), and clinical trials (cutting edge treatments),
- Multidisciplinary management of patients to help address some of the conditions that are being associated with psoriasis including psoriatic arthritis and increased risk for heart disease/stroke,
- Multimodal therapy for recalcitrant psoriasis,
- Education about preventive strategies that can minimize future risk for related conditions (arthritis, heart disease),
- Periodic surveillance with a multidisciplinary approach to minimize medication risks,
- Evaluate suitability for treatment with new therapies,
- Streamlined prior authorization process to facilitate medication coverage,
- Discussion of programs to help reduce stress, boost energy and maintain a healthy body and mind &
- Dedicated nursing staff for better workflow and to assist with the prior authorization process.
Treatment Options
- Topical Agents (calcineurin inhibitors, steroids, vitamin D derivatives),
- Local steroid injections,
- Ultraviolet light treatments,
- Excimer laser treatments,
- Conventional systemic therapies including methotrexate, cyclosporine, apremilast (Otezla) and acitretin &
- Biologic therapies including adalimumab (Humira), etanercept (Enbrel), ustekinumab (Stelara), secukinumab (Cosentyx), ixekizumab (Taltz), guselkumab (Tremfya).
What to Bring
- Health insurance information including authorizations or referrals,
- List of prescription medications and dosages,
- List of medications that you’re allergic to,
- List of medications, treatments you have had in the past,
- List of questions you may have &
- Recent test results related to your condition.
We present to you 10 psoriasis centers in the world
1. The Blue Lagoon – Island
An otherworldly wonder in the heart of a volcanic landscape
In a private lagoon at Silica Hotel, guests bathe in Blue Lagoon Water – a resource with scientifically proven healing benefits. Supervised by a nurse and a dermatologist, geothermal bathing is being followed by UVB narrowband light therapy and the Blue Lagoon treatment products of Blue Lagoon skin care. Of course, the efficacy of Blue Lagoon geothermal seawater for treating psoriasis has been being confirmed through decades of research. Therefore, our archive of academic papers contains extensive documentation about the history, science, and potency of Blue Lagoon psoriasis treatments.
2. Toronto Dermatology Centre – Canada
It is one of the premiere places in Canada to manage psoriasis. So many people suffer from psoriasis. Therefore, they launched the Toronto Psoriasis Centre and have become a centre of excellence for psoriasis. Both Dr. Benjamin Barankin and Dr. Anatoli Freiman have published and presented around the world on the management of psoriasis. Since Toronto Psoriasis Centre has outstanding dermatologists, they can offer both a comprehensive assessment and diagnosis of your skin. They’ll discuss all the treatment options including: moisturizer selection, vitamin and natural therapies, prescription creams and pills (e.g. methotrexate, soriatane, cyclosporine, Otezla®), OHIP-covered (no charge) UVB phototherapy, and the newer and very effective biologic agents. Also, at Toronto dermatology clinic, they offer clinical trials.
3. The Kangal Psoriasis Treatment and Fishy Therapy Center – Turkey
Located in a rural green valley, is 98 km from Sivas and 13 km from the centre of the town of Kangal. Moreover, the spring is unique because psoriasis is being healed in thermal water rich in minerals. A gram of selenium is being found per liter of water that has a temperature of 37 Degrees Celsius (98.6). Thus is miraculous that these ‘Dr. Fish’, as they are being known, are capable of living in water of such high temperature. Owing to its location high above sea level, additional physical and psychological benefits are being experienced from receiving treatment with ultraviolet rays.
History
No psoriasis treatment comparable worldwide that offers all the benefits of the Kangal Spa. It was only a reed-bed until 1917. At that time it attracted the attention of the public by chance. When a shepherd hurt his foot only to see it healed by the water of the spring. Simple buildings are later being constructed in the 1950’s and the springs were being taken over by the local administration of Sivas in the 1060’s. It was at this time that several lodging facilities are being built. In later years the public used the area as a summer resort. Finally, it was not until a journalist interviewed a psoriasis patient on his treatment at the spring that the world began to take notice.
Thermal Resort Facilities
The hotel built separate pools for men and women along with two indoor treatment pools. 16 private baths are available in winter that are being centrally heated by a pipe running from the hotel to the pool. The Kangal Thermal hotel consists of a total of 147 rooms, of which there are 144 standard rooms and 3 suites.
4. The Skin Hospital – Sydney
Their dermatologists are highly skilled in diagnosing and treating psoriasis. Since it is a very common condition, it is being addressed with a personalised treatment plan suited to your specific needs. In some cases, psoriasis is being inherited and manifests most frequently in young adults. Psoriasis affects 1-2% of the population. Approximately 8% of psoriasis patients may have pain and swelling in their joints from associated psoriatic arthritis. A range of treatments are available. The choice will depend on the severity, location of the psoriasis, patient preference and any other pre-existing medical conditions. Treatments include topical creams, ultraviolet light treatment (phototherapy), oral medications and newer biological agents. Although there is no cure for psoriasis, with appropriate treatment patients may be symptom-free for long periods of time.
5. Naftalan – Croatia
Special Hospital for Medical Rehabilitation Naftalan from Ivanić-Grad practices treatment of inflammatory rheumatic diseases (rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis), joint and spine diseases, and skin diseases (psoriasis and neurodermatitis). Top-level experts, healing properties of naftalan oil and various therapies and programmes are the reasons why numerous faithful guests and patients from Croatia and abroad give us their trust. We are especially attractive to the guests from Nordic countries, Germany, Russia, Italy…Apart from treatment programmes, Naftalan is an ideal place for spa and wellness. And the proximity of Croatia’s capital attracts numerous citizens of Zagreb to Naftalan. Their trump is naftalan – known since time immemorial as a natural ally in preserving health and preventing diseases. The first to record healing properties of Naftalan was the famous world traveller Marco Polo, in the 13th century.
This mineral oil is a natural health factor. Moreover, that’s what our experts developed naftalan therapy on. It has proven effective in treating psoriasis, a chronic skin disease. It is also a good ally in treating damage to musculoskeletal system with the help of naftalan baths and compressions.
Uniquness of naftalan and its medical application
Naftalan oil is being created from biological, organic material, through the process of sedimentation of the remains of dead microorganisms (phytoplankton, zooplankton, bacteria, algae and plants) at the bottom of a sea or a lake, where they were being covered with mineral particles. Moreover, this type of oil is rich in naftalan hydrocarbons, especially steranes. Steranes are compounds whose structure is similar to steroid hormones and provitamin D. In fact, the healing effects of naftalan are being attributed precisely to steranes. Oil is in use for 600 – 700 years. The first to record the healing effects of naftalan was the famous world traveller Marco Polo. The naftalan oil well next to Ivanić-Grad was discovered in the 1960s. Research showed that this oil has almost the same chemical and biological properties as the one from Azerbaijan, and that it has no carcinogenic or toxic properties.
Naftalan therapy
Naftalan therapy is being conducted by applying a rare therapeutic type of naftalan oil – naftalan in modern medicine, for treating certain skin and rheumatic diseases. Naftalan, the natural mineral oil, is a natural therapeutic agent. It does not cause skin irritation and is not cancerogenic.
Besides its mechanical and thermal effect, naftalan also has a significant bioactive effect on the body. Naftalan’s anti-inflammatory effect works on patients with skin and rheumatic diseases. In case of inflammatory rheumatism, reduction of inflammatory activity, reduction of swelling and redness, alleviation of pain, improvement of the general condition, and reduced intensity and shortened duration of “morning stiffness”.
Therapy is being used in skin diseases (psoriasis,
Therapy is being used in skin diseases (psoriasis, neurodermatitis) and in the diseases of the musculoskeletal system (inflammatory rheumatic diseases: rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and nonarticular rheumatism).
Use it as following: General application of the naftalan therapy through:
- naftalan baths in the bath tub
- applying naftalan to the entire body.
Accordingly, when taking the naftalan bath, the patient is being immersed in the naftalan oil medium at the temperature of 34 to 38°C up to his/her shoulders, in the duration of 8 to 14 minutes. The patient is being covered with naftalan and exposed to UVA – UVB lamp light in the duration of 15 to 20 minutes.
We recommend 14 or 21 day rehabilitation program. Find out more: https://psoriasistreatments.net/treatment-programs/
6. Stratum UK
Disease can start at any age but mainly occurs in adults under 35, affecting men and women equally. The condition causes red, flaky patches to form on the skin, which are crusty and covered with silvery scales. It can appear anywhere on the body, but most commonly affects the elbows, knees, lower back, buttocks and scalp. Nevertheless, the causes of psoriasis remain unknown, but it can run in families and is being precipitated by illnesses, stresses or even some medications. The condition is controllable with medication. They offer psoriasis treatment tailored to you. Their team of trusted expert dermatologists have a great deal of experience in treating psoriasis. Lastly, they can recommend the best course of treatment based on your personal circumstances and severity of your condition.
7. Psoriasis Clinic UF – Florida
Dermatologists at UF Health specialize in treating patients with psoriasis. Being caused by increased inflammation of the skin, it can occur at any age. Also, it is being characterized by pink, scaly, sometimes itchy plaques on the body. Some patients may also experience joint pain, a condition called psoriatic arthritis. Their dermatologists recognize that psoriasis can affect quality of life and will partner with you to make treatment decisions that can manage your symptoms. With this in mind, this clinic offers a comprehensive evaluation of each patient and an extensive discussion of treatment modalities that can help treat psoriasis long-term.
8. Dermatological institute dr. Pablo Umbert – Spain
Dr. Pablo Umbert is one of the pioneer doctors in Spain in terms of master formulation applied in the dermatological field. His extensive experience allows him to accurately diagnose and apply the most advanced treatments found in dermatological health, achieving optimal results. Besides, there is no cure for psoriasis. Nevertheless, their goal is to keep the disease in remission. The type of treatment is being decided according to the size, location and general condition of the patient. Their residents and employees have protocols on how these drugs should be being used. Ordinarily, before using a systemic treatment, they usually begin with classic treatments they know best: topical retinoid treatment, puva therapy, methotrexate and cyclosporine.
Dr. Pablo Umbert: “I distrust new medications on the market. I use medications that have been on the market for at least two years so that there is enough evidence of having advantages over those previously used”.
9. Dead Sea Medical Center – Jordan
Dead Sea has a unique content of oxygen in the air. The natural healing power of the Dead Sea found in their modern equipped treatment centre is being utilized to treat skin diseases and joint disorders. Moreover, the mud is rich in salts and minerals, like magnesium and silicon compounds, as the mud absorbs them from the water itself. It nourishes your skin and helps stimulate blood circulation. One of the first treatment center of its kind in Jordan, the world-renowned Dead Sea Medical Centre is the only place in the region offering natural skin care treatments.
The facility draws upon the unique beauty and the natural healing elements of the Dead Sea, providing an ideal setting for therapeutic treatments ranging from anti-stress therapy, spa massages and mud packs to ultrasound therapy, galvanic therapy, microwave therapy, cryotherapy and hydrotherapy. In addition to private treatment rooms, the Center features a saltwater swimming pool for the care of skin diseases and joint disorders and private male and female solariums with direct access to the Dead Sea. A natural phenomenon occurs at the Dead Sea: an additional layer caused by the high rate of evaporation in the atmosphere filters out the harmful rays of the sun creating a favourable UVA/UVB ratio. Moreover, the director of the medical center, a dermatologist with rich experience in climatotherapy, oversees a staff of English- and German-speaking medical professionals. The Center is open 7 days per week.
10. Comano Thermal Baths – Italy
The water of the Terme di Comano has a low mineral content and is rich in bicarbonates, calcium and magnesium. Consequently, the thermal water comes from a spring with a constant temperature of 27° C and is being particularly recommended for all kinds of skin problems and ailments for young and old. It is a natural cure that has an anti-inflammatory, soothing and softening effect on the skin. Ideal for psoriasis, eczemas, dermatitis and inflammation of the respiratory tract. In addition to curing related illnesses in children, makes it child-friendly oriented. The building with a modern wellness area embedds in a spacious park with walking paths, jogging tracks, fitness areas and a children’s playground. Moreover, there is an extensive entertainment programme with excursions for families. Both parents and children can experience numerous wonderful moments together in addition to the cures.
