How much Dead Sea sun for psoriasis?

Abstract

During July and August 1994, 45 psoriatic volunteers were treated at the Dead Sea for 28 days, using one of three sun-exposure schedules. The mean percentage improvement in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) was as follows: group 1–3.0 h maximum daily sun exposure: 91%; group 2–4.5 h maximum daily sun exposure: 87%; group 3–6.0 h maximum daily sun exposure: 88%. One year before, 16 of the patients from groups 1 and 2 had had Dead Sea treatment with a daily sun-exposure time of 5.5 h; there was no significant difference in the degree of improvement between the 2 years. It was concluded that for treatment in July and August the daily sun exposure need not exceed 3 h.

Key Words:

• Psoriasis
• Climatotherapy
• Heliotherapy
• Dead Sea