Background:
In the United States, pharmaceutical companies and western medical practices emphasize the use of medications as the only treatment for psoriasis. An alternative treatment that involves bathing in hot mineral baths with sulfur, has demonstrated some positive results. However, the American Medical Association does not recognize the use of thermal mineral water as an alternative treatment for psoriasis. Nor does health insurance in the United States cover this alternative treatment. In Ecuador, in contrast, psoriasis treating medications are generally unavailable or too expensive for most persons to afford. However, Ecuador contains many volcanos with sulfur springs, and many people there have a cultural belief that these mineral waters improve a range of conditions, including skin conditions and arthritis.
Objective:
The primary objective of this study is to determine whether the use of thermal mineral water decreases the severity of psoriasis symptoms. The secondary objective is to compare the prevalence by which persons living with psoriasis in the United States and Ecuador use thermal mineral water as a treatment for their symptoms.
Methods:
The source of data for this study will be two online panels, one in English to target persons in the United States, and in Spanish, to target persons in Ecuador. Methods will combine qualitative and quantitative. Google forms will be created to gather the information from panelists.
Local partnership for this online research would be established in New York and Quito respectively, to provide advice on ways to engage participants, collaborate in the development of questions that are culturally appropriate, translate information between English and Spanish, and collect and analyze responses.