Does Infrared Light Therapy Help Psoriasis?

Last Updated on 12 months by Francis

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by red, scaly patches on the skin. It is a painful and often debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While there is no cure for psoriasis, many treatment options are available to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. One of these options is infrared light therapy. In this article, we will explore the effectiveness of infrared light therapy for psoriasis and how it works.

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While there are several treatments available, many individuals are turning to alternative therapies, such as infrared light therapy. In this discussion, we will explore the potential benefits of infrared light therapy for individuals with psoriasis.

Understanding Psoriasis

Before delving into the effectiveness of infrared light therapy for psoriasis, it is important to understand the condition itself. Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the skin, nails, and joints. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, causing them to grow too quickly and accumulate on the surface of the skin. This results in red, scaly patches that can be painful, itchy, and unsightly. Psoriasis is not contagious, but it can be triggered by a variety of factors, including stress, infections, and certain medications.

Symptoms of Psoriasis

The symptoms of psoriasis can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Some common symptoms include:

• Red patches of skin covered with thick, silvery scales
• Dry, cracked skin that may bleed
• Itching, burning, or soreness
• Thickened, pitted or ridged nails
• Swollen and stiff joints

What is Infrared Light Therapy?

Infrared light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses infrared light to penetrate deep into the skin and underlying tissues. It is a form of phototherapy that has been used for decades to treat a variety of skin conditions, including psoriasis. Infrared light therapy is thought to work by increasing blood flow to the affected area, which can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.

Infrared light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses infrared light to penetrate deep into the skin and promote healing for psoriasis. Both near-infrared and far-infrared therapy have been shown to be effective, but far-infrared therapy is generally considered more effective due to its deeper penetration into the skin. In addition to reducing inflammation, improving skin texture and appearance, reducing pain and itchiness, and increasing blood flow to the affected area, it is important to follow precautions to avoid direct eye exposure and to consult with a healthcare provider if necessary.

Types of Infrared Light Therapy

There are two main types of infrared light therapy: near-infrared and far-infrared. Near-infrared therapy uses light with wavelengths between 700 and 1200 nanometers (nm), while far-infrared therapy uses light with wavelengths between 3000 and 10,000 nm. Both types of therapy have been shown to be effective for psoriasis, although far-infrared therapy is generally considered more effective due to its deeper penetration into the skin.

How Does Infrared Light Therapy Help Psoriasis?

Infrared light therapy works by increasing blood flow to the affected area, which can help reduce inflammation and promote healing. It is also thought to stimulate the production of collagen, which can help improve the texture and appearance of the skin. In addition, infrared light therapy can help reduce pain and itchiness associated with psoriasis.

Infrared light therapy can help manage symptoms of psoriasis by reducing inflammation, improving skin texture and appearance, reducing pain and itchiness, and increasing blood flow. It is a non-invasive and painless treatment that can be administered through various devices, but precautions should be taken to avoid direct eye exposure and consult with a healthcare provider for those with certain medical conditions.

Benefits of Infrared Light Therapy for Psoriasis

Some of the benefits of infrared light therapy for psoriasis include:

• Reduced inflammation
• Improved skin texture and appearance
• Reduced pain and itchiness
• Increased blood flow to the affected area
• Non-invasive and painless

How to Use Infrared Light Therapy for Psoriasis

Infrared light therapy can be administered in a variety of ways, including through the use of infrared lamps, heating pads, and handheld devices. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using any type of infrared light therapy device. In addition, it is recommended to start with shorter treatment sessions and gradually increase the duration as tolerated. Some people may experience mild side effects, such as redness or irritation, but these usually resolve quickly.

Precautions

While infrared light therapy is generally considered safe and effective for psoriasis, there are some precautions that should be taken. It is important to avoid direct eye exposure to the light, as it can cause damage to the retina. In addition, people with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or circulatory problems, should consult with their healthcare provider before using infrared light therapy.

FAQs: Does Infrared Light Therapy Help Psoriasis?

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the skin, causing it to become red, dry, and flaky. The condition is caused when the immune system speeds up the growth cycle of skin cells, causing an accumulation of thick patches of skin, known as plaques.

What is infrared light therapy?

Infrared light therapy involves the use of low-level red to near-infrared light wavelengths to treat a range of health issues. Infrared light therapy has been used to treat skin conditions, including psoriasis.

How does infrared light therapy help psoriasis?

Infrared light therapy has been found to relieve the symptoms of psoriasis by slowing down the growth cycle of skin cells. It also helps to reduce inflammation and promotes the skin’s natural healing process.

What are some of the benefits of using infrared light therapy for psoriasis?

Using infrared light therapy to treat psoriasis can have several benefits. One of the primary benefits is that it helps to reduce the symptoms of psoriasis, such as redness, itching, and dryness. Infrared light therapy is also a non-invasive treatment method that does not involve any medications or drugs, making it a safe and effective treatment option for people with psoriasis.

How often should infrared light therapy be used for psoriasis?

The frequency of infrared light therapy treatments for psoriasis will depend on the individual and the severity of their condition. Generally, infrared light therapy should be used for several weeks, with sessions happening 2-3 times per week. After a few weeks, the frequency of treatments can be reduced to once a week or less, depending on the individual’s response to the therapy.

Are there any side effects associated with infrared light therapy for psoriasis?

Infrared light therapy is generally considered to be safe for treating psoriasis, with no known risk of serious side effects. Some people may experience minor skin irritation or redness after treatments, which usually goes away within a few hours. It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new therapy for psoriasis or any other health condition.