5 great spa treatments for skin diseases

For those suffering from psoriasis, eczema or rosacea, there are specialized spa treatments that can help. Below are five therapies that can aid and possibly cure skin disorders.

• Eczema and psoriasis are common skin conditions that can produce itchy scales, red patches, cracked skin, rashes, peeling, and are usually caused by an immune-mediated inflammatory response. Canadians are especially susceptible as cold and dry winters can make these conditions worse.
• Rosacea is characterized by inflammation and dilation of blood vessels, causing redness on the face, nose and sometimes other parts of the body, such as the chest.

Thankfully, there are plenty of spa treatments designed to tackle a wide-range of skin disorders and conditions, helping you get relief and sometimes even completely cure your skin problem.

• Specialized salts have been used by spas for decades to help treat severe skin conditions. Especially helpful for many is the Dead Sea treatment, which involves applying dense amounts of salts from the Dead Sea directly to affected areas. It can help remove dead skin cells, ameliorate skin, and heal ulcers without irritating sensitive skin.

• Often, spas will apply ultraviolet (UV) or narrow-band UVB therapy to your skin, two treatments that are applied multiple times a week until your psoriasis is gone.
• In fact, the Canadian Dermatological Association recommends this therapy and outlines how use of UV and UVB therapy can successfully clear psoriasis. Usually treatment will last between four and eight weeks.

• Many spas feature natural spring waters with mineral and thermal properties. For many suffering from serious skin problems, these natural springs have produced dramatic results.
• It is said that these waters help ameliorate the damaged skin caused by eczema and psoriasis, while also reducing inflammation.
• It's also possible that relaxing in a beautiful spa and thermal pool setting helps reduce stress, which is known to be a trigger for skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.

• Spas have a wide-range of quality moisturizers that can provide quick relief from skin conditions.
• Moisturizers and calming oils that are infused with ingredients such as aloe, lavender, chamomile, rose hips,
• Argan oil and rose geranium can help soothe skin, help repair damaged skin cells, and mend cracks and scaling.

• Many spas now offer IPL therapy, which can specifically help rosacea sufferers by using light to atrophy dilated blood vessels, helping dramatically reduce the impact of rosacea.
• Although there is no cure for rosacea, IPL therapy is now considered a front line treatment for this condition.