Psoriasis

On the basis of the positive experiences from the psoriasis department that had operated previously, the medicinal spa hospital launched in-patient dermatological services in April of 2007.

While the majority of the patients treated in this department suffer from psoriasis, Harkány’s medicinal waters, with their unique composition and effects, can also be effectively employed for other disorders such as those caused by keratosis, chronic inflammatory skin disorders and joint problems related to skin disorders.

Hydrotherapy is one of the most ancient medical treatments. Baths not only clean the skin and remove previously utilized ointments but they can be used for the removal of scales and scabs, for treating infected skin with the addition of antiseptic agents and for hydration. They allow for the products used for local treatments to be better absorbed and also for ultraviolet radiation used in light therapy to reach the deeper layers of skin. On the basis of this, we can reduce the amount of active agents normally used to a quarter after a thermal bath and during the course of treatment we use lower total doses of ultraviolet light. The comprehensive Harkány treatment is therefore easily tolerated and has only negligible side effects.

There is an individually-tailored treatment plan for each patient that includes the use of a natural course of bath treatments and elements of classical dermatological therapy. Great emphasis is placed on uncovering the factors provoking the problem, and assistance is given to avoid these. The specific course of therapy is designed so that symptom-free periods will last as long as possible. A significant improvement in skin symptoms can be achieved with an intensive 14-21 day course of treatment at Harkány. The peaceful resort-like surroundings help to distance the patients from their everyday life and contribute to the success of their treatments.

Synthesis of the basic treatment is as follows:

· First medical examination

· Regular supervision by specialists

· Two times 30 minutes baths in spa water daily

· Light therapy (311 nm wave-length of UVB light / PUVA treatment)

· Short contact dithranol treatment

· Other non steroid local treatments in case of needed

· Final medical examination, final report

In case of joint problems the basic treatment is extended with the followings:

· Examination and continuous supervision by rheumatology specialist

· Physiotherapy ordered by the specialist

Our cures are recommended in case of chronic, plaque-type psoriasis and problems of the rheumatology and dermatology border-line, including psoriasis and its complications.

Baths are happen in separated tubs in discrete circumstances. Immediately after the first bath patients get light-therapy (contraindications taken into consideration). After the second bath a 20 minutes dithranol treatment is applied. The ointment is removed at the end of the contact time by shower in spa water, with shower gel containing spa water. We also guarantee emollient for our guests.

Bathing in the medicinal water results in the enhanced absorption of locally applied drugs. During light therapy the ultraviolet rays reach the deeper layers of the skin more easily, too. Based on this, the drug concentration in the ointments can be reduced to the fourth of the average after the tub baths. During treatment we also use lower cumulative doses of ultraviolet light.

As a result of this, the complex treatment at Harkány is well-tolerated and has no significant side effects.

Therapy is individual for every patient. We put great emphasis on other underlying diseases, medication for these, skin type and the characteristics of the existing psoriasis. We also pay attention to the exploration of provoking factors, and give help to avoid these. We employ personalised therapeutic processes in order to make the asymptomatic period as long as possible.

In case of more serious cases we use systemic medication as well. Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis fit well into the profile of the Spa-hospital of Harkány. Our excellent rheumatologists and specialists in locomotors diseases, physiotherapist assistants and gymnasts can ease the pain.

The treatments of the skin symptoms take 1,5 – 2 hours a day ( in case of locomotors complaints physiotherapies need more time). Schedule of therapies are flexible and act upon the patients needs to our limits so that they can have most of the day relaxing and leisure-time programmes.

Contraindications:

o Serious circulation problems

o Tumour

o Infectious diseases

o Incontinence problems

o Acute joint inflammations

o Thrombosis

o Varicose