Thermal dermatology: psoriasis, dermatitis and vitiligo
Terme di Roma offers dedicated dermatological programmes for psoriasis, dermatitis and vitiligo, with treatments selected on the basis of the specialist’s assessment and the patient’s clinical picture. The centre’s distinctive feature is the sulphurous thermal water of the Acque Albule, used in balneotherapy as a support to — never a substitute for — the dermatological therapies prescribed by your doctor.
On this page you will find information about the main conditions treated, the role of balneotherapy, and how to access the programmes, including under the Italian National Health Service (SSN) where applicable.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, not contagious, marked by an accelerated turnover of skin cells and the appearance of reddened, flaking and often well-defined plaques. It can affect the elbows, knees, scalp, hands, nails and the extensor surfaces of the limbs. It follows a relapsing course: factors such as stress, infections, changes in climate and certain medicines can worsen the picture, which often also affects quality of life and psychological wellbeing.
The role of thermal treatment
Treatment varies according to extent, location, clinical severity and individual response: in milder forms topical therapies may be indicated; in selected cases the dermatologist may consider other specialist pathways. In the thermal setting, balneotherapy in sulphurous water can be included as a support within a personalised dermatological programme: contact with the thermal water, the care environment and continuous management can contribute to skin comfort and general wellbeing, always within the context of a medical assessment and without the treatment being an automatic solution for every case.
Dermatitis and eczema
The term dermatitis covers a group of inflammatory skin conditions presenting with redness, itching, dryness, irritation and lesions of varying intensity, on the hands, feet, skin folds, face, neck and trunk. Some forms, such as atopic dermatitis, follow a chronic or relapsing course. A dermatological assessment is important to distinguish the type of dermatitis, identify any aggravating factors and set up the most appropriate treatment; where allergic contact dermatitis is suspected, the specialist may consider specific tests such as the patch test.
The role of thermal treatment
Balneotherapy consists of full or partial immersion in thermal water at a controlled temperature, for times set by the doctor according to each case; in a well-structured programme it may be followed by a period of rest and observation. Thermal treatment can support the management of certain skin manifestations — skin comfort, cleansing, quality of life. Every form of dermatitis nevertheless requires specialist assessment.
Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a pigmentation disorder marked by the appearance of lighter or depigmented patches, caused by the loss of melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin. It can affect various parts of the body and may also involve the hair in the affected area, with a significant aesthetic and psychological impact when it involves visible areas. A dermatological assessment is essential to confirm the diagnosis and distinguish vitiligo from other pigment changes.
The programme at Terme di Roma
At Terme di Roma vitiligo is a matter for specialist dermatological assessment: the examination confirms the diagnosis, distinguishes vitiligo from other pigment disorders and directs the person to the most appropriate pathway. The thermal treatments available on site concern balneotherapy in sulphurous water, whose role is assessed by the specialist case by case.
The available therapies
Warm sulphurous bath (balneotherapy)
Offered as a supporting treatment in dermatological and thermal programmes for psoriasis and many skin conditions: immersion in warm sulphurous water has a regenerating and soothing effect on the skin and a relaxing effect on the body. In chronic skin conditions its role is assessed by the doctor according to the clinical picture and tolerability.
| Service | SSN coverage | Single session |
|---|---|---|
| Warm sulphurous bath (balneotherapy) | YES | € 18,00 |
| Specialist dermatological examination | Private | € 90,00 |
The 12-session balneotherapy package carries a 20% discount.
Coverage by the Italian National Health Service
With a specialist indication, some dermatological programmes can be taken under the SSN: for psoriasis, eczema, atopic and seborrhoeic dermatitis and acne the SSN-covered cure is balneotherapy. You need a prescription from your GP (family doctor) stating the condition, the diagnosis and the cure to be taken; the full process, with co-payments and exemptions, is described on the SSN thermal cures page.
The sulphurous thermal waters are used as a support in the programmes for certain chronic dermatological conditions, as part of a treatment that is always personalised and defined by the doctor. For the specialist dermatological examination (Dr Mancini, on Tuesdays, by appointment) see the Specialist medicine page.