Old fashioned sodium bicarbonate baths for the treatment of psoriasis in the era of futuristic biologics: An old ally to be rescued

Abstract

Background: For centuries, medicated baths have been one of the first lines of treatment for psoriasis. Even today, with sophisticated immunosuppressive treatments available, Dead Sea salts and spa waters are recognized to be beneficial in the management of psoriatic patients. Objective: To assess statistically the efficacy of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃⁻) baths in psoriasis patients. Methods: Thirty‐one patients with mild‐moderate psoriasis were admitted to this study; Nineteen patients were treated with sodium bicarbonate baths and compared with twelve patients who were administered a placebo. Assessments were made on days 0 and 21. Results: Almost all patients who used NaHCO₃⁻ reported a statistically valuable improvement. NaHCO₃⁻ baths reduced itchiness and irritation; in general, the patients themselves recognized a beneficial impact on their psoriasis, so much so that they have continued to bathe in NaHCO₃⁻ even after the end of the study. Conclusion: We maintain that even with sophisticated immunosuppressive and highly specific anti‐cytokine and anti‐chemokines treatments available for the treatment of psoriasis, an older and often forgotten treatment can still play a role.

• Cyclosporin
• Psoriasis
• Retinoids
• Sodium bicarbonate
• Ultraviolet light