Red Light Treatment for Psoriasis: Advantages and Safe Usage Guidelines
Rethinking Red Light Therapy for Psoriasis: Is It the Shiny Solution You Need?
Want to dive into red light therapy for psoriasis? This non-invasive treatment could be the key to soothing desperate flare-ups. But is it all glam and no harm? Let's explore its potential benefits, safety, and usage!
Psst! Fed up with those psoriasis flare-ups yet? Fret not. There's a new offering on the table—red light therapy (RLT), a possible savior for those looking for relief from the stubborn, infuriating condition. Here's what you need to know about this seemingly weird, yet potentially effective, treatment.
Does Red Light Therapy Work for Psoriasis?
Short answers are nice and simple, so here goes: Yes, but effectiveness varies among individuals.
Let's Talk the Tech
While we don't have the full story yet, here's the science behind RLT:
- Skin is exposed to red-light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that are reportedly 10 times brighter than sun rays.
- Energy-craving skin cells gobble up the targeted light.
- With renewed vigor, those cells refuel and heal.
Does it sound like something straight out of a sci-fi movie? You bet, but research suggests it works for several skin issues, including:
- Acne
- Redness and cosmetic surgery scars
- Demodex folliculitis
- Actinic keratosis (precancerous patches from sun damage)
- Wrinkles
- ...and psoriasis, too (hooray!)
Deep Dive: What Science Says
Researchers lend a cautious thumbs up to LED-red light as a newly hatched treatment for psoriasis. The reasoning? Results have been promising, but more studies are necessary.
A 2017 study review fiercely argued that certain wavelengths of RLT wrestle plaque psoriasis. Folks with this problematic condition managed to clear 60 percent to 100 percent of their skin after 2 sessions a week for 4 to 5 weeks.
Here's the kicker: One small 2011 study pitted RLT against blue light therapy (BLT). Both treatments improved scaly, thickened skin for people with psoriasis. The blue light also reduced redness. So, no clear winners yet, but it shows promise!
The Skinny
RLT performed in a medical setting has managed to quell psoriasis flares. But for it to become a bona fide, reliable remedy for all forms of psoriasis, more research is needed.
A DIY Guide to Red Light Therapy
Up for giving it a whirl at home or at a spa? Here's how to get started:
- Purchase Online or at a Tanning Salon/Day Spa: RLT devices are obtainable for purchase online or for a fee at local beauty bars. Remember, though, these products and services are primarily intended for cosmetic uses. They may not be potent enough or targeted enough to vanquish psoriasis symptoms.
- Consult a Medical Professional: Involving a doctor increases your chances of a safe, successful RLT experience. Your physician can help zero in on the best light therapy for your situation, including offering guidance on proper wavelengths, dosage, and treatment schedules.
- Prepare for a Time and Money Commitment: You'll likely need multiple sessions to see results, so ensure you've got the time and finances on your side.
- Follow Safety Precautions: RLT is considered safe, but you should still protect your eyes and respect any med-related sensitivity issues.
Wait! What About Blue Light Therapy for Psoriasis?
Don't forget that 2011 study! It found that BLT improved scaly skin, thickened skin, and reduced redness for people with psoriasis. A wearable blue light device has even been approved for residential use by some mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis sufferers.
Bottom line: Navigating the world of light therapy can be tricky, but a competent physician can help you decide which light is right for you.
Other Uses for Red Light Therapy
Fascination with RLT doesn't end with psoriasis treatment. Researchers have also claimed promising results for RLT's impact on:
- Wound healing: Animal studies suggest that red light lasers could shrink wound sites by an astounding 36 percent. More research involving human subjects is required to validate these findings.
- Inflammation: RLT can help calm down inflammation-related redness and swelling.
- Hair Loss: RLT infrared laser treatment = hair growth for individuals with alopecia(a condition marked by baldness and patchy hair).
- Body contouring: Contradictory research shows that RLT can melt away fat and trigger weight loss.
- Chemotherapy-induced mouth sores: Research suggests that even a single dose of RLT can help fend off mouth lesions caused by chemotherapy.
The Short of It
Red light therapy is a non-invasive treatment option for an assortment of skin health troubles, including psoriasis. While it won't vanquish plaques alone, it serves as a useful weapon against pesky flare-ups. Since it is generally a safe treatment when applied carefully, there's little risk involved in giving it a go. With a doctor's guidance, however, your chances of seeing results improve drastically. If psoriasis is making life a real pain, remember: you're not alone. Effective treatments and treatment combinations do exist. Talk with your physician to figure out what strategies will work best for your specific situation.
- Despite the varying effectiveness among individuals, red light therapy (RLT) can potentially provide benefits for psoriasis, such as reducing plaque psoriasis by up to 100 percent according to a 2017 study review.
- In addition to its potential benefits for psoriasis, RLT is also reported to have benefits for other skin issues including hair loss (alopecia) due to infrared laser treatment.
- In a small 2011 study, red light therapy (RLT) was found to be as effective as blue light therapy (BLT) for improving scaly, thickened skin and reducing redness for individuals with psoriasis, but further studies are needed to definitively determine the best light therapy for various forms of psoriasis.
