Interviews

1) What causes psoriasis?

No one knows exactly what causes psoriasis, but most researchers now conclude that it is related to the immune system (psoriasis is often called an “immune-mediated” disorder). In psoriasis, the immune system is somehow triggered which in turn speeds up the growth cycle of skin cells. A normal skin cell matures in 28 to 30 days and is shed from the skin’s surface unnoticed, however, a psoriatic skin cell takes only 3 to 4 days to mature and move to the surface which creates the cells to pile-up and form elevated red lesions.

2) Who gets psoriasis?

Psoriasis appears to be slightly more prevalent in women than men. The average age of diagnosis is 28, and psoriasis most commonly appears between the ages of 15 and 35; however, it can develop at any time. The first-time diagnosis of psoriasis has been seen to occur in ages that vary from new-born babies and small children to very old people. Psoriasis in infants is considered rare, however, between 10 and 15 per cent of those with psoriasis get it before age 10.  About 150,000 to 260,000 new cases of psoriasis are diagnosed each year.

3) How is psoriasis diagnosed?

No special blood tests or other diagnostic tool exists for psoriasis. The diagnosis is generally determined through examination of the skin by a physician or other healthcare provider.  Less commonly, a skin biopsy is examined under the microscope for biological evidence of psoriasis. The presence of small pits in the fingernails is also an indicator of psoriasis.

4) Is psoriasis contagious?

No, psoriasis is not contagious. It is not something you can “catch” or “pass on.” Lesions of psoriasis may be unsightly, but they should not be regarded as an infection or an open wound.  An individual with psoriasis poses no threat to the health or safety of others.

5) What parts of the body are affected?

Psoriasis most commonly appears on the scalp, knees, elbows and torso, however, psoriasis can develop anywhere including the nails, palms, soles, genitals and face (which is rare). The lesions often appear in a symmetrical fashion, and in the same place on the right and left sides of the body.

6) Is there a cure for psoriasis?

 There is no known cure, however, there are many different treatments, both topical and systemic, that can clear psoriasis for periods of time.  Experimentation is often required to find a treatment that works for a particular person. Some people who have psoriasis experience spontaneous remissions which are unpredictable, but no one knows why this happens. The Kangal Fishy Spa is a natural alternative treatment method that is scientifically proven to be both effective and to increase the time between recurrent episodes.

7) Do people die from psoriasis?

Sorry to say that, the answer is yes. About 400 people die from complications caused by psoriasis each year. Primarily, such complications occur in relation to a severe, extensive form of psoriases, such as generalized pustular psoriasis or erythrodermic psoriasis, where large areas of skin are shed. The skin plays an important role in regulating body temperature and serving as a barrier to infection. When a person’s skin is compromised of such severe affliction, secondary infections are possible.  Fluid loss is also a complicating factor in these serious forms of psoriasis, and a great strain is placed on the circulatory system. Also, approximately 400 people receive social security disability due to psoriasis each year.

8) Can people with psoriasis function normally?

For the most part, people with psoriasis function normally. Sometimes people experience low self-esteem because psoriasis is unsightly. Psoriasis is often misunderstood by the public, which can make awkward social interactions. This may lead to additional emotional problems such as anxiety, anger, embarrassment and depression. Psoriasis can also affect the type of work people do if it is visible.

9) Is there hope that a cure will be found?

Yes. There is more research activity for psoriasis today than ever before. Tremendous progress has been made in understanding psoriasis, both in terms of the immune system problems related to the disease and the underlying genetic causes.

10) What effect does the sun have on psoriasis?

Natural sunlight can have a positive effect on psoriasis. The long-known benefits of sunlight provided the basis for the development of ultraviolet light therapy for treating psoriasis and other skin diseases. Psoriasis certainly gets better with ultraviolet light. The more sun, the better it gets, and wintertime often worsens the condition due to less sun.  Sunlight and ultraviolet light slow the rapid growth of skin cells.  The Sivas Kangal Thermal Center is the most suitable place for treatment due to its access to natural ultraviolet rays thanks to its high altitude from sea level (1650 mt). Statistics show us that the Kangal Treatment Center receives direct sunlight 280 days of the year which is perfectly suitable for patients with its 6 outdoor pools.

11) Will psoriasis cause my hair to fall out?

Psoriasis itself will not cause the hair to fall out, however, very thick scales in the scalp can entrap hair and as you attempt to remove the scales you can lose hair in the process.  In addition, some medications such as salicylic acid can temporarily damage the hair. You can expose your scalp to the water by lying on the surface as well as by using a snorkel.

12) Is it a must to stay for a 21 day period?

It is totally NOT a must but it is STRONGLY ADVISED in order to get the optimal results that nature has to offer. Not only is it important to expose your body to physical contact with the ‘doctor fish’, but it is also vital to obtain the advantages provided by other factors such as sunbathing, drinking the selenium-enriched spa water on an empty stomach and having the Jacuzzi effect of the spa. Previous research and investigation have been carried out on a 21-day patient schedule. 

13) What is the most suitable period for the treatment?

There isn’t any suitable period for the treatment. Both seasons have minuses and pluses in terms of receiving treatment sessions. Summertime is considered a high season for the centre, however, the ratio between the number of fish and the human bodies in the pool can easily vary.  Larger numbers of patients in the pool at any given time will cause the Dr Fish to respond to the patient to a lesser degree because they are already full from feeding. The summer does, however, allow the patients to take advantage of the strong summer sunshine.  In the winter time, the doctor fish are observed as being more eager to attack the wounded parts of the skin providing more sucking action which multiplies the vibrating effect of the treatment and in-turn boosts the recovering period. It is important to note that the Patients can also get the advantage of direct sunlight in the wintertime, but of course not as strong as it in the summer period.

14) How can I reach the thermal centre?

Deren Koray Tourism will assist you by providing you with a full treatment package. We would like to kindly invite you to check our reservation pages for full-service details