The Role of Trace Elements in Psoriatic Patients Undergoing Balneotherapy with Dead Sea Bath Salt

Authors: Halevy S (1) , Giryes H (1) , Friger M (2) , Grossman N (3) , Karpas Z (4) , Sarov B (2) , Sukenik S (5)

Affiliations:

(1) Department of Dermatology, Soroka University Medical Center (2) Epidemiology and Health Services Evaluation Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (3) Skin Bank and Investigative Dermatology Laboratory, Soroka University Medical Center (4) Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nuclear Research Center (5) Department of Internal Medicine D Unit, Soroka University Medical Center and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

Source: Isr Med Assoc J. 2001 Nov;3(11):828-32.

DOI: Not specified Publication date: 2001 Nov E-Publication date: Not specified Availability: full text Copyright: Not specified

Language: English Countries: Not specified Location: Dead Sea Correspondence address: Department of Dermatology, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer Sheva, Israel. halevy@bgumail.bgu.ac.il

Keywords

Article abstract

BACKGROUND:

A beneficial effect was observed in patients with psoriasis vulgaris following balneotherapy with Dead Sea bath salt.

OBJECTIVES:

To evaluate the possible role of trace elements in the effectiveness of balneotherapy.

METHODS:

Serum levels of 11 trace elements were analyzed in 23 patients with psoriasis vulgaris who participated in a double-blind controlled study of balneotherapy with either Dead Sea bath salt (12 patients) or common salt (11 patients). Thirteen healthy volunteers served as controls.

RESULTS:

The mean pre-treatment serum levels of boron, cadmium, lithium and rubidium were significantly lower in patients compared to controls, whereas the mean pre-treatment serum level of manganese was significantly higher in patients compared to controls. Balneotherapy with Dead Sea bath salt resulted in a significant decrease (P = 0.0051) in the mean serum level of manganese from 0.10 +/- 0.05 mol/L to 0.05 +/- 0.02 mumol/L. The mean reduction in the serum level of manganese differed significantly (P = 0.002) between responders (% Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score reduction > or = 25) and non-responders (% PASI score reduction < 25). Following balneotherapy with Dead Sea bath salt the mean serum level of lithium decreased in responders by 0.01 +/- 0.02 mumol/L, whereas its level in non-responders increased by 0.03 +/- 0.03 mumol/L. (P = 0.015).

CONCLUSIONS:

Manganese and lithium may play a role in the effectiveness of balneotherapy with Dead Sea bath salt for psoriasis.

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