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Balneo-Phototherapy,
which combines the gentleness of a brine soak with the
therapeutic power of ultraviolet phototherapy (ultraviolet
B), provides
effective, well-tolerated therapy for patients with
chronic inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis
and atopic dermatitis.
For centuries, this therapy has been successfully practised
at the Dead Sea providing therapeutic benefits to patients
with psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and other skin diseases.
Magnesium and mineral-intense waters are associated
with beneficial activity against the cellular mechanisms
of psoriasis and inflammation.
By
recreating the natural conditions of the Dead Sea with
brine baths followed by UV radiation, MAVENA AG has
brought the balneo phototherapeutic concept to local
out-patient therapy centres. Patients can now achieve
maximum mineral and phototherapy benefits in a controlled,
hygienic environment under the supervision of a dermatologist,
allowing therapy to be tailored to their individual
needs.
Additionally,
our treatment concept offers education, life style counselling
and psychological support. Mavena ® Derma Clinics
proposes an holistic treatment, natural and safe, for
chronic skin diseases like psoriasis and atopic Dermatitis.
The relaxing clinic setting enhances physical and psychological
well being.
The
uniqueness of the Dead Sea as an effective brine soak
lies with its high salt concentration and in particular,
its high magnesium content. The electronically controlled,
filter purified bathing system from MAVENA ® provides
a salty bath with a 5% up to 15% brine solution, depending
on type and severity of disease, that is enriched with
a high magnesium content (>46%). In addition to the
physical effect of the minerals on afflicted skin, patients
also benefit from the soothing flow and whirl of the
water, which offers the relaxation needed to reduce
stress-associated with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.
The bath is then followed by a course of Narrow Band
UVB or/and UVA phototherapy standardised to a patient’s
unique skin characteristics and clinical needs.
Therapeutic
effect of brine
Salts
used in the MAVENA ® system are pure compounds that
ensure reproducible composition of the salty bath. High
salinity has been shown to have keratolytic effects,
softening the horny layer of the skin to allow penetration
of minerals and magnesium, as well as anti proliferative
effects. It also elutes a high amount of the harmful
human leukocyte elastase from psoriatic lesions. Furthermore,
bathing in salt solution can increase the photo-sensitivity
of the skin, thus maximising photo-therapy treatment.
The association between high magnesium concentration
and anti-inflammatory effects has also been demonstrated
in animal models. Salt also acts as a surface disinfectant
and stimulates blood flow within the skin, which provides
a healthy and holistic treatment approach.
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Buntrock
S, Meffert H, Lehner T, et al. Balneophototherapy der
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