FAQ/ Frequently Asked Questions

1) What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease which causes skin cells to replicate at a highly rapid rate. New skin cells are being produced about eight times faster than normal--over several days instead of a month--but the rate at which old cells slough off is unchanged. This causes cells to build up on the skin's surface, forming thick patches, or plaques, of red sores (lesions) covered with flaky, silvery-white dead skin cells (scales).

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2) Is it contagious?

No, you cannot catch psoriasis from another person or pass it to someone by means of touch. You also cannot spread it to other parts of your body. Psoriasis lesions may be somehow unpleasant at sight, however they cannot be considered as an open wound or infection. A psoriasis affected person represents no threat for the health of other individuals.

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3) Who is at risk?

Psoriasis is fairly more common in women rather than men. Although the disease can develop at any age, often at puberty, 10-15% of all cases are diagnosed in children under 10, and the average age at the onset of symptoms is 28. Psoriasis is most common in fair-skinned people and extremely rare in dark-skinned individuals.

There is a genetic link and it tends to run in families. About 30% of people with one first degree relative with psoriasis develop the condition. This genetic tendency appears to be triggered by infection; certain medicines, including ibuprofen and lithium; psychological factors, including stress; or skin trauma.

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4) What causes psoriasis?

The cause of psoriasis is not fully understood. Researchers believe psoriasis occurs when faulty signals in the immune system cause skin cells to grow too rapidly, creating dry, red, scaly patches called lesions. Psoriasis occurs when cells replace themselves too quickly, often causing emotional as well as physical distress. The first outbreak of psoriasis is often triggered by emotional or mental stress or physical skin injury, but heredity is a major factor as well. In about one-third of the cases, there is a family history of psoriasis.

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5) How it is being diagnosed?

A diagnosis of psoriasis is usually based on the appearance of the skin. There are no custom blood tests or diagnostic procedures for psoriasis. Sometimes a skin biopsy, or scraping, may be needed to rule out other disorders and to confirm the diagnosis. Skin from a biopsy will show clubbed Rete pegs if positive for psoriasis. Another sign of psoriasis is that when the plaques are scraped, one can see pinpoint bleeding from the skin below (Auspitz's sign).

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6) What are the symptoms?

Main symptom of psoriasis disease is grey or silvery flaky patches on the skin which are red and inflamed underneath. It can occur on any part of the body although it is most commonly found on the elbows, knees, lower back and the scalp. Regardless of type, psoriasis usually causes discomfort. The skin often itches, and it may crack and bleed. In severe cases, the itching and discomfort may keep a person awake at night, and the pain can make everyday tasks difficult.

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7) Is psoriasis fatal?

Rarely life-threatening, at its mildest, psoriasis can be itchy and sore. At its worst, it's painful, disfiguring, and debilitating. However about 300 people die not from psoriasis but from complications triggered by the most acute and fierce forms of psoriasis like erythrodermic and pustular psoriasis. The skin is a vital regulator of the temperature of the body and preventer of infections. However if vast surfaces of the human skin are affected, the patient experiences a serious loss of fluids, while a great pressure is put on the circulatory system and secondary infections inevitably emerge.

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8) Is there a cure for psoriasis?

Up to date there is no such cure that guarantees a permanent relief from psoriasis. However a broad range of treatments is available to reduce the symptoms, clear up the skin, and send the disease into remission for periods of time. Approved treatments range from creams rubbed into the skin, to lasers that aim ultraviolet rays at the skin, to the newest treatments - injectable drugs made from living cells. Experimentation is often required to find a treatment that works for a particular person. Some patients go through spontaneous and unforeseeable remissions, the reasons for which are unknown.

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9) What is 'the heartbreak of psoriasis'?

Psoriasis can be painful and can be profoundly disruptive to a person's life. People who don't have it simply don't understand how burdensome the disease can be. There is constant shedding of scales. There can be functional impairment, itching, and pain. Sometimes people with the condition suffer from low self-esteem, social exclusion and discrimination because psoriasis can be unsightly. This may lead to emotional problems such as anxiety, anger, embarrassment and depression known as 'the heartbreak of psoriasis'.

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10) Can psoriasis sufferers have a normal life?

If a psoriasis-affected person keeps regular treatment of each outbreak as it occurs and follows strictly dermatologist prescriptions he/she may carry on with everyday life without being kept away from work or social events. Overcoming the frustration of the thought that one has to live with this condition in most cases require sufferer to find support by family and friends, as well as in support groups (could be online) if available.

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1) How effective is fish treatment?

Kangal fish treatment is an alternative therapy method approved and certified by many scientists. The physical contact of doctor fish has a generous effect on patient's skin as well as sun, water, thermal springs and fresh air. The fish treatment has surprisingly being noticed to reverse the Koebner phenomenon and provide positive healing skin reaction. The pleasant massage delivered by the doctor fish, the joy of the sun rays, the Jacuzzi effect of the pools and the experience of being in a totally different environment similar to vacation contribute to an overall feeling of wellbeing. A recent study indicated clear benefits to more than 70 per cent of the Kangal Thermal Spa patients and a mean remission time of over eight months. ).

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2) What does the treatment procedure involve?

The Patient has to drink spring water at least 3 times at the same time in the morning on an empty stomach. After drinking the spring water, the patient is expected have breakfast before going to the treatment pool. The treatment should begin on a full stomach and after partaking of the spring water. The mineral content of the spa and the healing effect of the fish begin to manifest simultaneously. Selenium, scientifically proven to be effective in the treatment of skin diseases, and abundant in the spa, starts penetrating with the help of the doctor fishes. Patients are advised to immerse themselves twice daily, for a total of 8 hours, without skipping an immersion. Alcohol is strictly prohibited during the treatment period as well as taking any extra drug for Psoriasis during the treatment time. The entire cure lasts for 21 days.

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3) How does it feel when fish bites?

The fish 'attacks' might cause little pain at first, but then this feeling diminishes. The doctor fish are more likely to tickle than to bite. The bather might even feel a pleasant tingling on his or her skin. However, despite spa claims that the fish offer a relaxing "micro-massage", the first exposure to the greedy fish might be somehow frightening for some people. Most of the patients consider that fish treatment could be best described as "fingers tapping on your body". When you can literally watch the psoriasis fakes being cleared away by the fish it makes all the effort worthwhile.

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4) Can fish pools spread any infection?

Since no virus or diseases can be transmitted through water, this fish therapy is safe to use by all means. For hygiene reasons, the centre advises patients to keep a distance from others in the pool and everyone has to bring their own slippers and towels.

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5) What are the qualities of the thermal spas?

The Kangal spring water is isothermal and maintains a temperature of about 35 C throughout the year. It has features which make it drinkable. The spa water is rich in selenium - a mineral known for its skin-healing properties, biological and therapeutic aspects. Selenium is a co-factor for glutathion peroxidase, an enzyme protecting cells against the effects of free radicals. The spring waters have been reported as being beneficial in rheumatic disease, neurologic disorders (neuralgia, neuritis, paralysis), orthopaedic and traumatological sequelae (fractures, joint trauma, and muscle disease), gynaecological problems (by lavage), skin diseases, urolithiasis (by drinking), and psychosomatic disorders. This may also explain the beneficial effects of water taken by drinking or by lavage in gastrointestinal and gynaecological disorders.

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6) Is it obligatory to stay for 21 days?

No, is not obligatory to book a 21 day treatment package, however it is strongly advisable for achieving the best treatment results. In order to gain full clearing of the skin psoriasis patients are strongly advised to obey strictly all rules that the fish treatment procedure prescribes including the extended 21 day cure period. Conducted scientific researches have shown that 57 % of the patients taking the 21 day treatment have fully recovered from some of the most severe forms of psoriasis.

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7) What season is the best for taking the treatment?

Any season is suitable for taking the treatment. While scientists and doctors claim that the psoriasis affected skin is positively influenced by sun exposure some patients experience increased reddening and itching during summer, therefore they prefer colder months. Other patients would certainly like to take advantage of the beneficial sun rays during summer especially if coming from northern destinations. The Kangal fish activity is noticed to be less intensive in summer cause of the high number of patients in the pools, which may slow the treatment. On the other side fish are fiercer in their attacks during winter, which intensifies the effect of micro-massage and may speed up the healing process. The weather is sunny in winter as well however the UV radiation is not as concentrated as in summer.

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8) How to reach the treatment center?

We will be glad to help you with any transportation services to and from Turkey as well as throughout the country including international and domestic flights, airport private and group transfers as well as rent-a-car services. We provide full local assistance to all our clients and free expert on how to reach the Kangal Thermal Spa especially if clients are using their own means of transportation.

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1) How to book a treatment package?

Treatment packages at the Kangal Thermal Spa Center can be booked through the psorisisfish.com website by completing our Reservation Form. Please fill out correctly all necessary fields and submit the form to us. Our reservation stuff will get back to you with availability and price information according to your specific request. Inquiries regarding single requests for additional services (rent-a-car services, excursions, etc.) can be submitted through our Enquiry Form.

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2) How to book additional services?

Additional services such as car rental services, daily excursions or extended tours, as well as single transfer and flights (not being part of a treatment package) can be requested through our Enquiry Form. Please fill out correctly all necessary fields and submit the form to us. Our reservation stuff will get back to you with availability and price information according to your specific request. When the client wants to book transfer services, flight reservation or Istanbul overnight accommodation as part of a treatment package those services can be requested together with the treatment through our Reservation Form.

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3) How can I pay for the booking?

Payments through our website are available by VISA and MasterCard credit cards only. At the time of booking customer's credit card will be charged to the full amount of the treatment package or services booked according to customer's wish. Payment is also available via bank/wire transfer.

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4) Why should I pay in advance?

A full prepayment equal to 100% of the total reservation amount is required for all bookings at the Kangal Thermal Spa Hotel due to the highest volume of reservations. The prepayment has to be done in order to secure the hotel accommodation together with a place in the treatment program. As soon as a full prepayment of the hotel reservation has been done, you will be eligible to receive your treatment package/service voucher straight away. You cannot consider your reservation secured unless you have received a written reservation confirmation from psoriasisfish.com regarding the services booked.

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5) In what currencies can I pay?

Payment for reservations at the Kangal Thermal Spa Hotel is currently available only in euro _ (EUR). As soon as other payment options are available they will be

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6) How to amend a reservation?

Making amendments i.e. submitting changes to your reservations are subject to hotel's availability. Amendments of bookings made through psoriasisfish.com will be accepted only if communicated by a written notice. Client should either send a amendment request via a certified email (return receipt requested) or by using our Enquiry Form available online. In case of email notification full reservations details should be supplied with the e-mail. Client cannot consider the reservation amended unless he/she has received a written amendment confirmation from psoriasisfish.com. Full details regarding amendment policy you can read in our General Terms and Conditions.

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7) How to cancel a reservation?

Cancellations of bookings made through psoriasisfish.com will be accepted only if communicated by a written notice. Client should either send a cancellation request via certified mail (return receipt requested) or by using our Enquiry Form available online. In case of email notification full reservations details should be supplied with the e-mail. Client cannot consider the reservation cancelled unless he/she has received a written cancellation confirmation from psoriasisfish.com. Full details regarding amendment policy you can read in our General Terms and Conditions.

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8) What are the cancellation charges?

Before proceeding with any service/package cancellation, client must make sure that cancellation deadline for that specific booking hasn't been passed otherwise full cancellation charges may apply. The cancellation deadline will be always clearly advised on the package/service voucher as well as on client's confirmation e-mail.

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9) Are there any amendment penalties?

Before proceeding with any service/package amendment request, please make sure that cancellation deadline for that specific booking hasn't been passed otherwise amendment charges may apply. The cancellation deadline will always be clearly advised on the package/service voucher as well as on client's confirmation e-mail. According to changes that have been made the total price of the booking may increase and additional payment will be necessary for client to receive an amendment confirmation. Please make sure you read our General Terms and Conditions for detailed amendment policies.

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10) What is your refund policy?

Refunds will only be processed if they have been approved from Kangal Thermal Hotel or the third party service providers through which car-rentals, transfers or tours have been booked. No refund will be possible unless we have received a refund from the hotel or the service providers mentioned above. The exact amount of the refund will be determined in accordance with hotel's/supplier's cancellation policy and the exact date when the cancellation was requested. Please note that there is a non-refundable administrative fee of $25.00 per person regarding a reservation in Kangal Thermal Spa hotel which will be deducted from total refund amount. For complete refund policies please feel free to check our General Terms and Conditions.