A woman with psoriasis scratches her arm

Study on the effect of balneotherapy on oxidative stress

Agnes Szenczi et al.

April 2023

Healing & thermal therapy

Psoriasis / Eczema

Skin / Allergies

The aim of this study conducted by Agnes Szenczi et al. was to investigate the effects of Harkány medicinal water on oxidative stress. The study was conducted in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind design.

Twenty patients with psoriasis who underwent a 3-week inpatient rehabilitation based on balneotherapy were included. The Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and malondialdehyde (MDA) - a marker of oxidative stress - were determined on admission and before discharge. Patients were treated with dithranol.

The average PASI value determined on admission and before discharge decreased significantly after the 3-week rehabilitation period. The baseline value of MDA in patients with psoriasis was significantly higher compared to the control group. The MDA levels of patients treated with placebo water increased significantly compared to the MDA levels of patients treated with medicinal water.

The efficacy of dithranol is based on the formation of reactive oxygen species. No increased oxidative stress was observed in the patients treated with medicinal water, suggesting that medicinal water has a protective effect against oxidative stress. However, further research is needed to confirm these preliminary results.

The most important information on the study at a glance

Indications: Psoriasis
Institution: Department of Public Health Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
Title: Study on the effect of balneotherapy on oxidative stress
Brief description: The study shows that balneotherapy reduces oxidative stress in psoriasis and improves the condition of the skin.
Original title: Is Balneotherapy Protective Against Oxidative Stress? A Pilot Study
Link to the study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36881082/