Psoriasis and the “Prophet” Motive

The earliest documented successful treatment for psoriasis may actually be found in the Bible! (specifically 2 Kings 5:1-14). It seems that Na’aman, a commander in the army of the king of Syria, was afflicted with “leprosy”. Since there is no evidence for true leprosy or Hansen’s disease in the Middle East at this time, the so-called “leprosy” from which he suffered was most likely another dermatological condition, one that would be highly visible in its more severe form, probably psoriasis.

Wanting to find a cure, the good general sent out a general query for effective treatments. A female Israelite captive told Na’aman that she knew of a prophet in Israel who could cure his condition. Since Na’aman was a favorite of the king of Syria, he was laden with wealthy gifts and sent to beg treatment from the king of Israel. The Israeli monarch was less than thrilled when Na’aman arrived since he knew nothing of how to treat leprosy, and felt that his refusal to provide a cure would provoke a war with the Syrians.

Fortunately Elisha, a prophet, heard of the king’s dilemma and told the monarch to send Na’aman to him. When the Syrian commander arrived, Elisha sent down a servant who advised Na’aman to bathe seven times in the River Jordan and he would be healed. Na’aman was rather insulted by this simple advice, no doubt expecting something more elaborate. His servants, however, prevailed upon him to try out Elisha’s cure, and sure enough, “…his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.”

Many might claim this to be a miraculous cure, but I’m convinced that Elisha was a smart fellow who simply knew how to treat psoriasis. The Jordan River flows into the Dead Sea, and in its lower reaches picks up substantial quantities of solutes. Essentially the Dead Sea is made up to a large extent of the mineral-laden waters of the River Jordan. It is also 1300 feet below sea level at the point where the Jordan flows into the sea.

The ultraviolet radiation which reaches the shores of the Dead Sea is mostly UVA, the B wavelengths being filtered as it travels a quarter-of-a-mile below sea level. Interestingly, the current treatment for severe psoriasis is UVA combined with psoralen, so-called PUVA. Apparently the mineral salts in the Dead Sea have a salutary effect on psoriasis which when combined with UVA melts psoriatic plaques away. Many establishments around the Dead Sea today specialize in treating skin ailments and especially psoriasis. Some European countries even send severe psoriasis sufferers here for a week since it’s cheaper than treating them in hospital.

Elisha did exactly what some modern dermatologists would do today, faced with a patient who wanted a “natural cure”. He sent his patient for a seven day holiday “taking the waters” where the Jordan empties into the Dead Sea. Combined with judicious advice to pray for several hours daily on the shoreline (in the sun), most psoriasis sufferers would also have the healthy pink skin “like the flesh of a little child…”

Perhaps we should name Elisha the patron-prophet of dermatology. He may also be the only dermatologist who ever prevented a war!

References

1. The Book of Leviticus: The New International Commentary on the Old Testament, by G. J. Wenham.
2. www.extremescience.com/deadsea
3. Water Data Banks Progress, Multilateral Working Group on Water Resources, Middle East Peace Process
4. www.einbokek.com

Photo Credits

Dead Sea courtesy of The Adventure Company

Bathing in the Dead Sea courtesy of DeadSeaFriendlytours.com

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