Dermatologic balneology: The American view of waters, spas, and hot springs

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Abstract
Abundant water is an important part of everyday living. The substance also has therapeutic capabilities, some of which may have been neglected or even ignored by many societies. Whereas Italians are quick to praise the virtues of mineral water and spa treatment, Americans have often forgotten the potential benefits of the waters. A visit to the Dead Sea for the treatment of psoriasis is an accepted modality by many, but others might question a weekend at Saratoga Springs, New York, other than for horse‐racing and relaxation. Patients have learned from grammar school hygiene classes about the so‐called of cleansing of the body, requiring the drinking of eight glasses of water per day. Washing is also an important ritual in contemporary society, so much so that, one might say: “not even time for a hath”. According to an old Hindustani proverb, “bathe early every day and sickness will avoid you”Nary a practitioner would deny the use of water in the dermatologic armamentatium. The colloidal bath is recognized as an integral part of the therapy for pruritic dermatitis, just as the wet to dry compress is highly useful in the treatment of eczematized skin. In addition, water is a necessary adjunct in acne therapy or for that matter seborrheic dermatitis.

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