Study results

Science confirms it as well

The prestigious scientific journal International Journal of Biometeorology has published the results of the study conducted at the Cervia Thermal Baths, the first to confirm the benefits of therapy with Liman Mud and Mother Water combined with heliotherapy for the treatment of psoriasis.

The study—carried out by the Terme di Cervia in collaboration with the Dermatology Unit and the Biostatistics Unit of the Romagna Local Health Authority (responsible for defining the protocol, conducting the experimentation, referring patients, and collecting statistical data), and the Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapy, University of Pavia (responsible for data processing, drafting the study, and publication in a peer-reviewed journal in 2020)—demonstrates that mud-bath therapy at the Terme di Cervia, thanks to the unique properties of Liman Mud and Salsobromoiodic Mother Water (both derived from the nearby salt pans and exclusive to the facility), when combined with heliotherapy, produces significant improvements in people affected by psoriasis.

In particular:

relapses decrease,
remission periods double,
the need for medication decreases,
and costs—for both individuals and the National Health Service—are significantly reduced.

“The publication in the journal rewards the Terme di Cervia’ ongoing commitment to research. This is the first study documenting the effectiveness of a specific protocol with Liman Mud and heliotherapy in psoriasis patients. We hope we have laid the groundwork for future research and new therapeutic developments related to spa treatments,”
declared Dr. Alessandro Zanasi, Medical Director of the Terme di Cervia.

Psoriasis Care

Results of mud treatments at the Terme di Cervia thermal baths

Psoriasi al gomito - Prima del trattamento

Psoriasis on the elbow – Before treatment

Psoriasi al gomito - Durante il trattamento, 3 mesi

During treatment, after 3 months

Psoriasi al gomito - Scomparsa dei sintomi dopo 6 mesi

Symptoms gone after 6 months

Psoriasis on the back – Before treatment

Psoriasi alla schiena - Dopo 3 mesi di trattamento

After 3 months of treatment

Psoriasi alla schiena - Dopo 6 mesi di trattamento

After 6 months of treatment

Study results: effectiveness of the treatment

The primary objective of the study concerned the duration of the remission period, a very important indicator of quality of life for affected individuals.

The results are significant: in the experimental group, the remission period approximately doubled (over a 6-month monitoring period), and fewer relapses were recorded.

A second objective was to evaluate a synergistic effect between spa treatments and pharmacological therapy. The results here were also very promising.
Patients treated with the traditional Terme di Cervia method were able to reduce their use of topical and systemic medications—both corticosteroid and non-corticosteroid—resulting in benefits for detoxifying organs such as the liver and kidneys. In medicine, this is referred to as a wash-out, meaning a suspension or reduction of drug use.

This is a very encouraging and beneficial effect: patients with psoriasis often also suffer from other conditions, such as arthritis, or liver, kidney, and cardiovascular problems, and frequently must take complex combinations of medications.

Read the full clinical research

(published on OnlineFirst and International Journal of Biometeorology)

test participants

groups

treatment sessions

months of monitoring

Characteristics of the experimental treatment: the method of the Terme di Cervia thermal baths

The traditional method of the Terme di Cervia thermal baths has been refined over decades of practice before being studied in the experimental research recently completed. Each patient at the Terme di Cervia thermal baths follows a highly personalized treatment protocol, ensured by the constant presence of a medical team.

Patients are covered with Liman Mud from the Cervia saltworks, a compound formed by the slow sedimentation of minerals and organic substances from the Mother Water at the bottom of the salt collection basins. The thermal mud can be applied warm, at around 40°C, or at room temperature, leaving delicate areas such as the chest and throat free. After the mud application, patients dry under the solarium sun (heliotherapy) and, following a shower, immerse themselves in a balneotherapy bath with salsobromoiodic Mother Water, which is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and stimulates the immune system.

applicazione fanghi termali nel solarium

In collaboration with

Dermatology Operating Unit, AUSL Romagna – Italy
Biostatistics Operating Unit, AUSL Romagna – Italy
Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapy, University of Pavia – Italy

AUTHORIZED BY
Ethics Committee IRST IRCCS, Area Vasta Romagna – Italy

INSTITUTES
S.R. Institute for the Study and Treatment of Tumors (IRST) – Italy
Scientific Hospitalization and Treatment Institute (IRCCS) – Italy

SCIENTIFIC COORDINATION
Dr. Andrea Flamigni
Specialist in Medical Hydrology, Medical Director of Terme di Cervia S.r.l.

FOLLOW-UP MANAGER
Dr. Vincenzo Maria Albano
Senior Physician, Dermatology Unit of Forlì – Italy

PARTNERSHIP
Dermatology Unit, AUSL Romagna – Italy
Biostatistics Unit, AUSL Romagna – Italy
Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, University of Pavia – Italy