Photodamage and Skin Cancer
In 2005, in a multicenter controlled cross-sectional study, investigators determined the prevalence of photodamage and skin cancer in a cohort of psoriasis patients undergoing climatotherapy by the Dead Sea. The cohort consisted of 1,198 patients (460 psoriasis patients and 738 controls) between 20 and 70 years of age who received treatment at the Dead Sea Solarium Clinic and participating outpatient clinics.
Results indicated that psoriasis patients were much more likely to manifest elastosis, poikiloderma, solar lentigines, and facial wrinkles than controls, with a dose response associated with increased exposure time to the Dead Sea. Control patients self-reported more previous skin cancers than psoriasis patients, but examinations revealed no differences in the prevalence of nonmelanoma skin cancer. Neither group included cases of malignant melanoma. The researchers concluded that Dead Sea climatotherapy poses no increased risk for developing skin cancer among psoriasis patients, but the prolonged solar exposure inherent in this therapeutic modality may increase the risk of inducing photodamage (J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. 2005;52:445-50).
Easing Chemotherapy's Side Effects
In another recent study, researchers assessed the effectiveness of Dead Sea products in mitigating the side effects of radiochemotherapy in 24 patients suffering from head and neck cancer. The control group consisted of 30 conventionally treated patients. The radiochemotherapy patients were directed to use two products containing Dead Sea minerals—a mouthwash (Lenom, made by Clinica Lenom Ltd.) and a moisturizing cream (Solaris)—three times daily for 1 week before, during, and up to 2 weeks following the conclusion of radiotherapy.
The investigators observed grade 1-2 mucositis in 13 patients treated with Dead Sea minerals (54%), with none exhibiting grade 3-4 mucositis. In the control group, 17 subjects (57%) had grade 1-2 mucositis, while grade 3-4 mucositis was noted in 4 (13%). In addition, grade 1-2 dermatitis was seen in 13 patients treated with Dead Sea minerals (54%), with none displaying grade 3-4 dermatitis, whereas grade 1-2 dermatitis was observed in 11 control patients (37%) and grade 3-4, in 5 (17%) (Isr. Med. Assoc. J. 2007;9:439-42).
On the Market
Several companies offer product lines that feature Dead Sea minerals, including Adovia Inc., Ahava, Health & Beauty Dead Sea Minerals, Kawar, La Cure, and Obey Your Body.
The array of such products includes hand and body lotions, bath salts, body butter, eye cream, cleansing mud masks, mineral mud soaps, mineral peeling soaps, body exfoliants, collagen firming creams with SPF, acne lotions, lightening cream with SPF, firming night creams, antidandruff and numerous other shampoos, scalp masks, and sunscreens.
Conclusions
The therapeutic effects of mineral waters at various spas, and at the Dead Sea in particular, have been well established. Such results help explain the popularity of makeup and other skin products that contain mineral ingredients. Vichy Thermal Spa Water (Vichy Laboratories Inc.) and La Roche-Posay Spa Water (La Roche-Posay) contain the anti-inflammatory minerals sulfur and selenium, respectively, and mineral-laden Dead Sea water is known to exert a lenitive influence on psoriasis, eczema, and other cutaneous conditions.
It remains unclear, however, how effective several products touted for harnessing the curative powers of the Dead Sea are in conferring similar benefits. Although these products likely do no harm and, given the host of other ingredients, probably at least contribute to moisturizing the skin, more research is necessary to establish these products as adjuvants for any of various skin disorders.
The therapeutic effects of immersion in the water of the Dead Sea have been well known for 1,500 years.
Source ©Edward Shtern/Fotolia.com