Efficacy of combined liman peloid baths and heliotherapy in the treatment of psoriasis at Cervia spa, Emilia, Italy
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Article abstract
This study assessed the effects of liman peloid, followed by bath and heliotherapy in psoriatic patients at Cervia, Emilia, Italy. The psoriatic patients were randomized into two groups: group 1 with 56 patients, treated with liman applications, bath, and heliotherapy, and group 2 with 35 subjects, treated with mud-bath therapy using a clay peloid mixed with tap water and heliotherapy. Data was collected for the following: psoriasis area and severity index (PASI); delta-PASI (difference between post- and pre-treatment PASI); delta-PASI3 and delta-PASI6, 3 and 6 months after the end of treatment, respectively; psoriasis recurrences; and the use of both topical and systemic drugs. Although not significant, a decrease in PASI was recorded in group 1 at the end of treatment and after 3 and 6 months. Compared with group 2, there was a significant change in delta-PASI, delta-PASI3, and psoriasis recurrences in group 1 as well as a significant reduction in the topical use of drugs, both cortisone and nonsteroid drugs. This is the first and preliminary study which documented the efficacy of a specific protocol of liman bath heliotherapy in psoriatic patients as documented by a reduction in delta-PASI and delta-PASI3, a decrease in psoriasis recurrences, and use of topical drugs.