Does Red Light Therapy Help Psoriasis？

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the skin, causing red, scaly patches that can be painful and itchy. While there is no cure for psoriasis, there are several treatments available that can help manage the symptoms of the condition. One of the newer treatments that has gained popularity in recent years is red light therapy. But does red light therapy really help psoriasis? In this article, we'll take a closer look at the evidence to find out.

What is Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy, also known as low-level light therapy or photobiomodulation, is a type of treatment that uses red or near-infrared light to stimulate cellular activity in the body. The light is delivered through special devices that emit wavelengths of light in the red and near-infrared spectrum, which can penetrate the skin and reach the cells beneath.

Red light therapy has been used for a variety of purposes, including to treat skin conditions, reduce pain and inflammation, and improve healing after injuries or surgeries. It is also sometimes used as a cosmetic treatment to improve the appearance of the skin.

How Does Red Light Therapy Work?

The exact mechanism by which red light therapy works is not fully understood, but it is thought to work by stimulating the mitochondria in cells. Mitochondria are the organelles within cells that are responsible for producing energy. When cells are exposed to red or near-infrared light, it is thought to increase the activity of the mitochondria, leading to increased energy production and improved cellular function.

Red light therapy may also have anti-inflammatory effects, which could be beneficial for conditions like psoriasis. Inflammation is a key component of psoriasis, and reducing inflammation could help to improve the symptoms of the condition.

Evidence for Red Light Therapy and Psoriasis

While there is some evidence to suggest that red light therapy may be helpful for psoriasis, the research in this area is still limited, and more studies are needed to fully understand the potential benefits.

One small study published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology in 2017 looked at the use of red light therapy in 30 patients with mild to moderate psoriasis. The participants received either red light therapy or a placebo treatment three times per week for four weeks. The researchers found that the red light therapy group had a greater reduction in their psoriasis symptoms compared to the placebo group. However, the study was small and more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Another study published in the Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology in 2015 looked at the use of red light therapy in a mouse model of psoriasis. The researchers found that red light therapy reduced inflammation in the skin and improved the symptoms of psoriasis in the mice. While this study was conducted in animals, it provides some evidence to suggest that red light therapy may have anti-inflammatory effects that could be beneficial for psoriasis.

A review article published in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy in 2017 looked at the use of red light therapy in various skin conditions, including psoriasis. The authors noted that while the evidence for red light therapy in psoriasis is limited, the treatment has shown promise for improving symptoms in some patients. However, they cautioned that more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and to identify the best protocols for treatment.

Overall, while there is some evidence to suggest that red light therapy may be helpful for psoriasis, more research is needed to confirm these findings and to identify the best protocols for treatment.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

Red light therapy is generally considered to be safe, with few side effects. However, some people may experience mild side effects like redness, swelling, or itching at the site of treatment. These side effects are usually temporary and resolve on their own.

It is important to note that while red light therapy is generally considered safe, it may not be appropriate for everyone. People with certain medical conditions, like epilepsy or skin cancer, should not undergo red light therapy. It is also important to use caution when using red light therapy on areas of the skin that are sensitive or damaged, as it could potentially worsen these conditions.

Conclusion

While there is some evidence to suggest that red light therapy may be helpful for psoriasis, more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and to identify the best protocols for treatment. If you are considering red light therapy for psoriasis, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider to determine whether it is appropriate for you. Red light therapy is generally considered safe, but it may not be appropriate for everyone, and it is important to use caution when using the treatment on areas of the skin that are sensitive or damaged.