It has been scientifically verified that regular bathing in Blue Lagoon geothermal seawater is an effective treatment for psoriasis. By combining it with UVB light therapy treatment results can be maximized. The research provides the basis for Blue Lagoon's recognition as an officially recognized treatment option.

Uniqueness of the geothermal seawater

Research on healing power, composition and biology show that the geothermal seawater's ecosystem is unique in the world. Analysis on its composition confirms that it contains unique active ingredients: minerals, silica and algae.

Scientific studies of the geothermal seawater have shown that the microbial community is unique, since 60% of the organisms are novel on a species level.

Figure on the left: The PASI scoring during treatment in the Blue Lagoon, when combined with UVB and when treatment is given with UVB alone, presented as percentage of the original PASI score.

The Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) is an objective method developed to measure the severity of the psoriasis skin ailment. The result is a single figure score that can be used to measure the effects of the treatment.

Research studies

Significant research has been conducted on the Blue Lagoon to determine its healing powers. The first studies were conducted in 1981. The results of the studies indicated a definite effectiveness against psoriasis. In 1992-1993, more comprehensive studies were completed. The studies proofed that regular bathing in the Blue Lagoon is an effective treatment against psoriasis.

Blue Lagoon is working on a new psoriasis research in cooperation with University of Iceland and Landspitali, the National University  Hospital of Iceland. The research is also the PhD project of Jenna Huld Eysteinsdóttir. The purpose of the new research is to confirm previous studies and increase the knowledge of how the treatment works.  Jenna Huld introduced the results of a preliminary study at an immunology conference held in Tallin, Estonia and also at the Science in Springtime conference at Landspítali. The research received a grant from the Hospital's science fund. Jenna Huld also presented the preliminary results at the EADV conference held in Gothenburg in October, 2010. The results are promising, the data is being analysed and scientific studies are written. The study was implemented in 2008 and it is estimated that the first scientific papers will be published in 2011.

Psoriasis studies in PDF

Grether-Beck. S et. al.
Bioactive molecules from the Blue Lagoon: in vitro and in vivo assessment of silica mud and microalgae extracts for their effects on skin barrier function and prevention of skin ageing. Accepted for publication 18th of December 2007


Sigurgeirsson B, Olafsson JH.
The Blue Lagoon and Psoriasis. Grindavik: The Blue Lagoon Dermatology Clinic, 1998:1-12.

Olafsson JH, Sigurgeirsson B.
Psoriasis treatment in a geothermal lagoon. Five years experience from the Blue lagoon i Iceland. Forum for Nord Derm Ven 1998; 3:15-19.

Olafsson JH, Sigurgeirsson B, Palsdottir R.
Psoriasis treatment: bathing in a thermal lagoon combined with UVB, versus UVB treatment only. Acta Derm Venereol 1996; 76:228-30.

Olafsson JH, Sigurgeirsson B, Palsdottir R.
The effect of bathing in a thermal lagoon in Iceland has on psoriasis. A preliminary study. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 1994; 3:460-464.

Auf Deutsh
Sigurgeirsson B, Olafsson JH. Die Blaue Lagune und Psoriasis - Grindavik: The Blue Lagoon Dermatology Clinic, 1998:1-12.