Swimming In Cold Or Saltwater Improves Psoriasis Symptoms

Have you tried dipping in cold water or taking a swim in the ocean and then feeling a wave of relief and comfort, especially in areas affected by a skin condition? Many anecdotal reports from psoriasis and eczema patients attest to the benefits of swimming in cold and/or saltwater to improve their skin conditions.

The Effects of Saltwater On the Skin

It’s not only the summer sunlight that can act as a natural treatment for psoriasis. Swimming in seawater can also improve the appearance of psoriasis.

How effective is this claim as a natural treatment for psoriasis? Is there a science behind the testimonies of psoriasis patients?

The benefits of seawater have long been explored, dating back to the time of the Egyptians. Ancient Egyptians used it to treat wounds and burns. In 19th century England, it was used for treating a variety of ailments, ranging from depression to respiratory problems.

The Dead Sea is a popular tourist attraction, not only for its biblical reference but also for its healing properties. Its high concentration of minerals, particularly magnesium, is one of the main reasons people with skin problems take a dip in the salty waters. Patients consider the soothing effect they feel after swimming an alternative natural remedy for psoriasis.

A study dived deeper into this anecdotal report on getting climatotherapy at the Dead Sea by psoriasis-prone patients. The findings proved the experiences of the patients since the severity of the psoriasis symptoms decreased by as much as 81.5% after 4 weeks of treatment. Complete clearance from psoriasis was even found in 48% of the patients.

Saltwater is found to be beneficial for managing psoriasis symptoms

Aside from the Dead Sea, many famous water destinations are said to have therapeutic properties and calming effects on the skin. Here are the top spots to consider going to:

Blue Lagoon (Iceland)

The turquoise bath is considered a world wonder by National Geographic. This man-made spa is filled with mineral-rich water and geothermal mud with ample amounts of silica. Dipping in its waters is said to give you glowing skin.

Arima Onsen (Japan)

The famous hot spring is one of the oldest spa destinations in Japan. It attracts thousands of people yearly because of its health benefits including improved blood circulation, which can ease the symptoms of eczema. The water contains sulfur, carbon dioxide, chloride, hydrogen carbonate, iron, and sulfate that are responsible for the water’s sweet, soda-like flavor.

Thermae Bath Spa (United Kingdom)

This World Heritage Site is the only spot in Britain to soak in natural mineral water. The hot springs in the area were used by the Romans for their bathhouse thousands of years ago.

Széchenyi Baths (Hungary)

Budapest is hailed as the City of Spas because of the several baths and saunas in the area. One of the most popular is the Széchenyi Baths which is high in mineral content such as calcium, hydrogen carbonate, and magnesium. The water here is said to improve blood circulation and nervous system disorders.

Terme di Saturnia (Italy)

The water in this natural formation found in Tuscany is rich in alkaline and sulfur which are said to be beneficial for people with skin allergies. The warm water improves blood circulation and the relaxing ambiance is sure to relieve any stress.

Pink Lake (Australia)

Famous for its pink waters, the Pink Lake offers more than just being an iconic tourist attraction. The pink color of the water is the result of algae production which in turn creates beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is a good source of Vitamin A which is usually found in skincare supplements.

Minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium are abundant in seawater and water from natural saunas. These minerals are beneficial to the skin in fighting infections and speeding up the healing process of the body. Magnesium found in seawater improves moisture retention which is beneficial to those suffering from eczema and dry skin problems. The anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties of these minerals also alleviate itching and ward off fungi that cause eczema.

Patients with psoriasis said that they felt better after a swim in the ocean. According to their reports, sunlight and swimming are among the most effective natural treatments for psoriasis that worked for them. Contrarily, oatmeal baths and Epsom salts were among the least effective alternatives they used in reducing psoriasis symptoms.

Ocean water is filled with minerals that are beneficial to skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. Aside from soaking in mineral-rich water, exposure to sunlight further improves psoriasis symptoms, contributing to the feeling of relief that psoriasis patients feel.

However, seawater might not always be good for your skin. Water contamination in certain areas can introduce bacteria and other microorganisms in the water, causing more harm to your skin than good. Before planning to swim, check how safe the water is for people with sensitive or damaged skin.

Swimming in the sea is okay for eczema patients, so long as they have not suffered from a recent flare-up or have a secondary infection that can get worse with contact with chlorinated or saltwater. The same goes for psoriasis patients who are not encouraged to go swimming when their plaques are infected.

Beware not to take too much time in the water. Remember that seawater can leave the skin dry and flaky. Always take a shower after dipping to wash away the saltwater and do not forget to apply moisturiser to avoid dry skin.

Aside from sea swimming, it is also possible to improve skin conditions just by bathing in cold water.

Benefits of Dipping In Cold Water to Psoriasis Symptoms

It is known that the winter season can worsen psoriasis symptoms because humidity makes the skin drier than usual, triggering itchiness and redness of the skin. On the other hand, cold water has an opposite effect on the skin and is beneficial for relieving the most common skin conditions.

A cold shower can help improve psoriasis symptoms

Bathing in cold water is one of the natural remedies for psoriasis. According to experts, swimming in cold water triggers the release of endorphins, adrenalin, and cortisol. These components have therapeutic benefits like boosting the immune system. The endorphin receptors in the skin help improve psoriasis symptoms and other chronic skin conditions.

The symptoms of skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema are reduced by bathing in cold water because the natural fats and oils from the skin surface are retained for a longer period. Hot water, on the other hand, strips away these substances, increases blood flow, and stimulates the nerve endings in the skin which increases its itch response.

Exposure to cold water may also lead to improvements in the function of the parasympathetic nervous system. This part of the body helps enhance organ function, including the skin.

Dermatologists recommend showering or swimming in cold water for those with psoriasis and eczema. Coldwater constricts the blood vessels and tightens the pores to reduce the redness and the loss of natural oils in the skin.

Take note that cold water should be around 59°F (15°C) to stimulate its health benefits to the skin. Dipping in water colder than this temperature can work against you and cause other health problems.

Results of Swimming Vary

Swimming, either in cold or seawater, helps release stress and make patients more relaxed. Being in a new environment far from the daily pressure they feel can help improve the symptoms of psoriasis and other skin conditions. Stress is said to be one of the leading factors that trigger the onset of psoriasis, so being less stressed also helps in improving skin problems.

Effects of swimming on skin conditions and psoriasis symptoms vary per person

While swimming in seawater or cold water has benefits, the results vary per person. In some cases, the patients felt a negligible change in their psoriasis symptoms. Some found it uncomfortable and made their skin itchier and irritated.

Swimming can be a good psoriasis natural treatment alternative, but more studies are needed around this subject. Additionally, there are factors in the reports like sunlight, environment, and humidity that may have affected the outcome of the test results.

When looking for a natural remedy for psoriasis symptoms, look at those that are backed with science and years of clinical testing. Medovie products are the best in these aspects and have been proven safe to use even for those with sensitive skin.

Medovie – The Alternative  for Psoriasis Symptoms

Medovie is a unique science-oriented company that produces safe, effective, natural, and proven products for managing the symptoms of psoriasis and other common skin problems. We are different because we are mixing the thousand-year wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine with advanced research and technology to produce solutions with lasting effects on the skin.

Trust only Medovie products in managing the appearance of psoriasis

Using select herbs and extracting their most potent compounds for dealing with chronic skin conditions help us create a natural remedy for improving the appearance of psoriasis, eczema, and other skin problems. The result of this process is our ground-breaking 3HX™ formula which deals with skin issues inside and out for longer-lasting relief and comfort.

We offer a range of products for psoriasis, eczema, and other skin conditions. We have scalp and body solutions containing creams, shampoos, and lotions for managing the visible symptoms of chronic skin conditions. We also have 3HX™ capsules that can deal with symptoms from the inside for a holistic comfort that no other skincare solution can provide.

For best results, contact us for a free consultation. You can contact our team through the Medovie website or send us an email at [email protected]. You can also send us a message on our Facebook or Instagram page, whichever is more convenient. Our skin experts can recommend the best package suited to your condition.