Praxen & Institut/Iodine-Sulfur Springs
Germany’s Strongest Iodine-Sulfur Springs
Bad Wiessee, Germany’s Strongest Iodine-Sulfur Springs and their Application for Balneophototherapy with Dermatological Indications
A hidden treasure rediscovered: The iodine-sulfur spa in Bad Wiessee on Tegernsee lake in Bavaria has now been newly renovated with over 20 cabins with the latest equipment for individual tub and spray baths.
The history of Bad Wiessee as a spa as well as the
discovery and development of its mineral springs with the names „Adrianus“ and
„Wilhelmina,“ whose composition of iodine and sulfur is unique in Germany, found
its significance – as so often happens with the development of historical events
– rather randomly:
In 1441, a monk in St. Quirin on Tegernsee discovered a
golden yellow strip in the water of the lake, which later turned out to be
petroleum. This mineral oil at that time enjoyed increasingly great
popularity for therapeutic liniments. And around the turn of the century, the
Dutchman Adrian Stopp while drilling discovered an intensely sulfur and
iodinated thermal water deposit, which brought about the rise of Bad Wiessee as
a health and spa resort. It was declared a spa in 1922. Due to the
increasing importance and popularity of hydrothermal springs, the iodine-sulfur
spa was able to provide up to 2000 treatments a day in the 1970s.
Among the 154 recognized spas and health
resorts in Germany there are 31 with sulfur springs. Each of these sulfur
springs has its own original composition. The Bad Wiessee springs contain 7.05
mg of dissolved free hydrogen sulfide as well as 75 mg of hydrogen sulfide per
liter of water and they exceed the minimum value for sulfur springs of 1 mg/l by
75 times. They are consequently the most powerful sulfur springs in
Germany. The overall positive effect of the baths can be traced back to
the very high content of iodine (40 mg/l) and fluoride (20 mg/l).
For centuries, natural sulfur hot springs have been used
worldwide due to their anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect, in particular for
the skin and joints. The heat of the water, which is further enhanced by
the hydrogen sulfide, leads to physical-muscular and mental realxation, a very
pleasant side effect. Under its effect, the blood vessels throughout the
body, including the skin, expand and the uptake of oxygen and minerals is
increased.
Hydrogen sulfide penetrates
the cell membrane 100 times faster than oxygen and collects in the lower layers
of the skin, which are particularly subject to inflammation in psoriasis. With
this disease it acts as a throttle to increase cell division activity and the
scaling of the skin is diminished.
The abundant iodine also results in a
loosening of connective tissue (scar softening) and reinforces the
aforementioned effects of sulfur. Furthermore, it asks as an antioxidant and
antiseptic.
Psoriasis vulgaris, chronic (atopic) ekcema
as well as skin cornification disorders (ichthyosis) are therefore covered as
the main dermatological areas of application of the iodine-sulfur springs.
In addition, there are inflammatory (arthritis) and
degenerative (osteoporosis, arthrosis and spondylosis) joint and spinal disease
indications for the use of iodine-sulfur baths because they inhibit joint
inflammation and support the reconstruction of joint cartilage.
In particular for patients with psoriasis vulgaris, there
is the combination of the iodine-sulfur baths with the addition of brine (salt)
and whey (lactic acid), which amplify the inflammation-inhibition and
desquamative effect.
Furthermore, the therapeutic
effectiveness of the baths can be intensified by subsequent irradiation with 311
nm UV lamps (balnephototherapy).
Because of the unique
location of our practice rooms on site – in which the whole spectrum of modern
dermatology is offered – there are optimal opportunities for this.
The Tegernsee holiday region offers nationwide prospective
customers the perfect opportunity for a multi-day stay, due to its high
recreational value.
Effects and Use of Sulfur in DermatologyThe use of sulfur compounds in Dermatology and Rheumatology has been known for centuries, but in recent decades it has fallen into oblivion.
