If you or someone you love suffers from the dry, irritated, inflamed skin and uncontrollable itchiness of eczema, you know just how frustrating and uncomfortable this condition can be. Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, impacts over 30 million Americans. For those afflicted, eczema can significantly impact quality of life.but emerging research shows that natural light therapy may offer a safe, effective option for soothing inflamed skin and reducing symptoms. Specifically, red light therapy is gaining attention for its ability to calm inflammation at the cellular level and promote skin renewal.
Keep reading to learn what causes eczema, why it makes your skin so angry and itchy, and how to use red light therapy for eczema relief.
Understanding Eczema
Eczema goes by many names – atopic dermatitis, asteatotic eczema, chronic eczema, and more. But no matter what you call it, the hallmarks are dry, itchy, cracked skin that can weep and bleed when scratched. To understand how light therapy can help eczema, it’s important to first understand what’s causing those aggravating flare-ups in the first place. The main culprits behind eczema include:
- Immune system dysfunction: Eczema is considered an immune-mediated condition. For unknown reasons, the immune system overreacts to harmless irritants, triggering inflammation.
- Genetic predisposition: Many patients have a family history of eczema, asthma, or hay fever. Specific genetic mutations affect immune function and skin barrier integrity.
- Environmental triggers: Things like weather changes, chemicals, fragrances, cigarette smoke, and stress can exacerbate eczema.
- Skin barrier impairment: The outer layer of skin loses moisture and allows more allergens/microbes to penetrate and drive inflammation.
- Skin microbiome changes: Altered populations of bacteria, viruses and fungi living on the skin may contribute to eczema flares.
While most common in babies and children, many carry eczema into adulthood. Flares impact not just the skin, but everyday life. That’s why finding an effective treatment is so important.
What Is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy involves daily exposure of your skin to red wavelengths of light delivered by LEDs (light emitting diodes). Also called photobiomodulation, red light naturally stimulates beneficial biological processes in the body. Red light therapy is provided by gentle, handheld LED devices that deliver targeted wavelengths of red and near-infrared light. Sessions only take a few minutes per day. So how can some red glow help your skin heal?
How Red Light Therapy Can Relieve Eczema?
Red light therapy is growing in popularity as a way to calm inflammation and promote healing from the inside out. But how does it work?
Calms inflammation – Red light reduces inflammatory chemicals and immune cell activity. This eases swelling, redness, and irritation.
Lowers itch – By reducing inflammation and nerve excitation, red light can significantly improve itch and allow better sleep.
Repairs skin barrier – It stimulates fibroblasts to rebuild healthy skin layers and collagen. This helps seal the skin’s protective barrier.
Fights infection – The light has natural antibacterial effects to combat secondary infections that can develop in eczema lesions.
Supports immunity – Red light therapy promotes immune homeostasis, dialing down hyperactive immune responses in the skin and body.
Clearly, red light provides far-reaching relief by targeting many of the underlying drivers of discomfort in eczema. And unlike medications that just temporarily mask symptoms, phototherapy delivers lasting healing.
Benefits of Red Light Therapy for Eczema
With regular use, red light therapy can provide the following benefits:
- Calms itching, stinging, discomfort
- Reduces flaky, irritated red rashes
- Minimizes number, frequency, severity of flare ups
- Hydrates and locks in moisture for softer skin
- Repairs damaged skin barrier
- Evens skin tone and reduces discoloration
- Prevents infections from scratching
- Fades old scars and thickened skin
- Improves appearance – less redness and irritation
- Breaks the chronic cycle of flare ups
- Better sleep and quality of life – no more scratching!
- Treats eczema naturally and holistically, without medications
- Safe for short and long-term use for all ages
These improvements help relieve the frustrating and uncomfortable symptoms during flare ups while addressing the underlying causes.
Will red light therapy help eczema?
With the excitement surrounding red light therapy, it’s normal to be skeptical. But numerous high-quality studies have already demonstrated red light can be highly effective for eczema:
– A 1993 study found that atopic dermatitis (AD) patients treated with 830nm red light experienced less itching and improved rashes. There were no side effects during and after treatment.[1]
– A 2013 study found that red light therapy combined with immunosuppressive drugs suppressed inflammatory cells to improve the severity of skin lesions and skin barrier function.[2]
– A 2015 study showed that red light therapy combined with hot water baths improved the development of AD-like lesions.[3]
With rigorous clinical evidence backing it up, red light therapy deserves serious consideration for managing eczema flares.
Is Red Light Therapy for Eczema Safe?
A common concern with any new treatment is safety. Rest assured, red light therapy is very safe when used as directed. Red light is non-invasive and causes no damage to the skin. It does not use UV light, so there is no risk of skin cancer or burns like with tanning beds. There are no harmful chemicals. Clinical trials have found no adverse side effects in children or adults. Mild redness or tingling can sometimes occur but quickly fades. Experts consider red light therapy safe for all skin types and ages. Of course, it’s still wise to consult your dermatologist before trying any new therapies for eczema. But you can feel confident red light therapy is low risk.
Are There Side Effects of Red Light Therapy for Eczema?
Other side effects of red light therapy for eczema are rare. There are a few precautions to keep in mind:
– Avoid directly shining light into your eyes. Simply close your eyes or wear protective goggles during treatment.
– Use caution if you take photosensitizing medications or have a condition causing light sensitivity. Discuss with your doctor first.
– Allow skin time to adjust if you have very sensitive skin. Start with shorter sessions and slowly increase.
– Don’t use if you have an active skin infection or open wounds without medical guidance.
– Monitor for potential delayed reactions like itching or tingling in the hours/days after first few uses as your skin adjusts.
With proper use, most people find red light therapy very gentle with minimal to no side effects.
What is the best red light device for eczema?
To experience the proven benefits of red light for eczema, be sure to choose RedDot LED high quality device designed for clinical use. Key factors include:
– Medical grade LEDs emitting therapeutic wavelengths shown to relieve eczema (630-660nm red, 820-880nm near infrared)
– Large panel sizes to cover more surface area of the body per session
– Adjustable timer with auto shut off to receive optimal treatment durations
– Manufacturer with medical credentials and demonstrated results treating skin conditions
– Durable, user-friendly design for easy home use
The RedDot LED RDPRO series has an effective combination of red and near-infrared wavelengths to meet your needs in many ways. Red light and near-infrared light are not only effective in treating eczema, but can also be used to improve skin aging and overall skin care.
You can also use red/near-infrared light for arthritis, weight loss, hair loss, sports recovery, wound healing, and more. RedDot LED products have also passed FDA certification, safety and effectiveness are guaranteed.
With the red dot LED device, you can finally get rid of the constant cycle of eczema flare-ups, say goodbye to irritation, embarrassment and constant itching!
Conclusion
Don’t waste another night of lost sleep from eczema torment. To learn more about Reddot LED red light devices specifically designed for inflammatory skin conditions, visit Reddot LED website or give Reddot LED a call. we can help find the right device for your needs and budget.
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Published by reddotled.com (Repost Tips)