Heliotherapy in the Treatment of Psoriatic Arthritis

Abstract

Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory joint disease associated with psoriasis vulgaris, with routinely negative rheumatoid factors and the absence of rheumatoid nodules. This is an immune-mediated disease, according to generally accepted definition of Wright and Moll from 1973. American Association against Rheumatism classified psoriatic arthritis as an independent disease in 1964. Psoriatic arthritis is a single disease with a varied clinical picture. It belongs to the group of seronegative spondyloarthropathies with which there are general clinical features. It is believed that similar mechanisms determine the onset of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. The clinical picture includes various clinical forms that damage the peripheral and sacroiliac joints, spine, internal organs. The treatment of psoriatic arthritis is directed simultaneously to the influence of skin and joint changes. Purpose: Our study aims to summarize our long-standing experience in the treatment of psoriatic arthritis with heliotherapy. Subject of observation: Monitoring includes 132 patients with moderate and severe form of psoriasis treated at the sanatorium in town of Pomorie for 5 years in the period 2001-2006. Results and discussion: 132 patients with psoriasis with no effect on the local therapy and have proven psoriatic arthritis were selected. In our climatic conditions, heliotherapy is appointed during the warm half-year. Sun treatment was conducted under the conditions of a healing beach, which had shielding, radiation-protective devices. In patients with erythema - pigment and pigment type skin reactivity begins with 1-2 bioadoses reached to 8-10 biodoses, carried out in the area of overcomfort. Conclusion: The studies demonstrated that heliotherapy combined with medications significantly improves the prognosis of patients with this disease. The ultimate success would mean overcoming the frequent depression conditions, better survival and social comfort for patients with psoriatic arthritis.