Will red light therapy help with psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and while there are treatments available, many people still struggle to manage their symptoms effectively, but red light therapy for psoriasis may be the best option.

Red Light Therapy for Psoriasis

Red light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level red light wavelengths to promote healing and reduce inflammation. It has been used to treat a variety of skin conditions, including psoriasis, and has shown promising results. It could be just what you need to finally get relief from your symptoms.

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes the rapid growth of skin cells. This can lead to the formation of thick, red, scaly patches of skin called plaques. Psoriasis is not contagious, and it is not life-threatening. However, it can be a serious and debilitating condition.Psoriasis can affect any part of the body, but it most commonly occurs on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. Psoriasis can also cause pain, itching, and burning. It can lead to skin infections, joint pain, and depression.

Why Choose Red Light Therapy for Psoriasis?

Before understanding why we choose red light therapy, let’s understand what is red light therapy. Red light therapy, also known as low-level light therapy or photobiomodulation, is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level red light wavelengths to promote healing and reduce inflammation. It has been used in various medical settings, including dermatology, physical therapy, and sports medicine. So why choose red light for psoriasis?

Firstly, red light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that does not require the use of drugs or surgery. This means that there are fewer risks of side effects and complications associated with the treatment.

Secondly, red light therapy is generally well-tolerated by patients and does not cause pain or discomfort during the treatment and red light therapy can be used to treat psoriasis in various parts of the body, including the scalp, face, hands, and feet. This is because the treatment is delivered using a handheld device that can be easily moved around different areas of the body.

Why Choose Red Light Therapy for Psoriasis?

Lastly, while red light therapy is often used to treat psoriasis, it has also been shown to have a range of other health benefits, such as:

Improved skin health: Red light therapy can improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, scars, and acne by promoting collagen production and increasing blood flow to the skin[1].
Pain relief: Red light therapy has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation in conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and back pain[2].
Improved muscle recovery: Red light therapy can help speed up muscle recovery after exercise by reducing inflammation and promoting the production of new cells[3].
Improved sleep: Red light therapy can help regulate the body’s circadian rhythm, which can improve sleep quality and duration[4].
Reduced anxiety and depression: Red light therapy has been shown to have a calming effect on the body, which can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression[5].

How Can Red Light Therapy Help with Psoriasis?

Red light therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for psoriasis. The therapy works by penetrating the skin’s surface and reaching the underlying tissues, where it stimulates the production of collagen and elastin. Collagen and elastin are essential proteins that help maintain healthy skin, and the increased production of these proteins can help improve the appearance and texture of psoriasis patches.

Red light therapy also helps reduce inflammation, which is a hallmark of psoriasis. The therapy has been shown to reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines, which are molecules that contribute to inflammation. By reducing inflammation, red light therapy can help reduce the severity of psoriasis symptoms, including redness, itching, and pain.

How Can Red Light Therapy Help with Psoriasis?

Research on Red Light Therapy and Psoriasis

Several studies have investigated the effectiveness of red light therapy for psoriasis. A 2010 study found that red light therapy was effective in reducing skin inflammation in people with psoriasis. Patients received red light therapy for 4-5 weeks, and the results showed a 60% to 100% clearance rate in patients with refractory psoriasis, significant improvement in psoriasis symptoms, and high satisfaction among psoriasis patients who received red light therapy[6].

A 2011 double-blind, randomized study found that red light therapy can improve psoriasis by reducing redness, hardening and scaling of the skin. The study evaluated 20 psoriasis patients who received red light therapy three times a week for four weeks. Researchers found that red light therapy significantly reduced psoriasis symptoms[7].

What are the Risks and Side Effects of Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy is generally considered safe and does not produce any significant side effects. However, there are some risks associated with the therapy, including:

Eye damage: Red light therapy can damage the eyes if not used with appropriate eye protection. It is essential to wear protective eyewear when undergoing red light therapy.
Skin irritation: Some people may experience skin irritation, redness, or itching after undergoing red light therapy. This is usually mild and resolves on its own within a few hours.
Burns: While rare, red light therapy can cause burns if the skin is exposed to high levels of light for an extended period. It is essential to follow the treatment guidelinesand avoid overexposure to red light.

It is also important to note that red light therapy may not be suitable for everyone. People with certain medical conditions, such as lupus or porphyria, should avoid red light therapy. Additionally, pregnant women should avoid red light therapy, as there is not enough research to determine its safety during pregnancy.

Conclusion

Overall, red light therapy is a safe and effective treatment option for psoriasis that can significantly improve the quality of life for those who suffer from this condition. If you are interested in trying red light therapy for your psoriasis, talk to your doctor or dermatologist to see if it is right for you.