Effective Red Light Therapy for Psoriasis Treatment - Health Central
Psoriasis, the autoimmune skin disorder that affects more than eight million Americans nationwide, can be debilitating, especially in moderate to severe cases, but thankfully there are a slew of effective treatment options available. Red light therapy, one treatment that has recently grown in popularity, is a form of phototherapy that's a drug-free treatment used for mild to moderate psoriasis cases. Here, with insight from board-certified dermatologists, you'll find answers on everything you need to know about red light therapy, including how it works and if it could improve your skin health.
What Is Red Light Therapy?
"Red light therapy is a type of therapy that uses light to have an anti-inflammatory impact on the skin," says Marisa Garshick, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. "More specifically, red light therapy uses light emitting diodes at a specific wavelength to target the skin and lead to improved skin changes."
Dr. Garshick says red light therapy has been around since the 1960s, with scientific research beginning to see the benefits for both hair growth and wound healing. The form of phototherapy actually originated from NASA, according to Michelle Henry, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City, where researchers were investigating the effects of specific light wavelengths on plant growth and wound healing in space environments. "Over time, its application extended to medical and aesthetic contexts," she says. "This includes the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis and others."
How It Works
How Does Red Light Therapy Work to Treat Psoriasis?
Red light therapy is a non-invasive treatment method that harnesses the power of light to stimulate cellular processes within the skin, leading to therapeutic effects.
So, why red light as opposed to another color? For starters, red light has a longer wavelength compared to colors like blue or green. This longer wavelength allows it to penetrate deeper into the skin's layers, reaching the cells and tissues that need treatment, says Dr. Henry. This is important for conditions like psoriasis, where the skin's abnormalities often occur in deeper layers. Red light also helps increase blood flow to promote healing, yet it's extremely gentle (there's no heat or burning sensation involved).
"This interaction enhances cellular energy production and triggers an anti-inflammatory response," adds Dr. Henry. "For psoriasis specifically, red light therapy aims to regulate the abnormal growth of skin cells and alleviate inflammation associated with the condition."
Beyond Psoriasis
What Other Conditions Can Red Light Therapy Treat?
Red light therapy is an emerging effective treatment for psoriasis. In fact, a research review published in Lasers in Medical Science found that people with plaque psoriasis were able to clear 60% to 100% of their skin with two red light therapy sessions a week for a month. But psoriasis isn't the only health issue that red light therapy is proving to be therapeutic for. According to Cleveland Clinic red light therapy can also help improve these other conditions:
Accessibility
Where Can You Get Red Light Therapy Treatments for Psoriasis?
Good news: There are several different options when it comes to getting red light therapy treatment for psoriasis. You can choose whatever works best for you and your budget. "Red light therapy is available in professional settings like dermatology clinics and medical spas, as well as through portable devices for at-home use," says Dr. Henry. In office light therapy can cost between $75 and $150 per session.
At-home devices run the gamut from full-body panels to devices used to treat specific areas, such as the hands or face. Be sure to do your research and ensure the device you get is cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prior to purchasing—this way you can be certain you're getting a highly tested, safe, and effective treatment. While at-home devices are typically pretty expensive (from $100 to over $1000 for a full body panel), many brands offer payment plans, as well as the option to get them covered by your insurance.
Safety and Risks of Using Red Light Therapy for Psoriasis
Red light therapy is generally considered safe for treating psoriasis when performed correctly. It is a non-invasive and non-thermal (non-heating) treatment that has successfully been used to alleviate symptoms of various skin conditions, including psoriasis.
Still, red light therapy does have minimal side effects. Some individuals may experience mild skin redness or temporary dryness, but these effects are usually short-lived and resolve quickly.
Dr. Garshick also stresses the importance of protecting your eyes while using red light therapy, as well as being mindful about any medications that may make your skin more sensitive to light. Some sun-sensitizing drugs to be aware of include:
Antibiotics
Certain antidepressants like Zoloft (sertraline) and Elavil (amitriptyline)
Certain antihistamines like Claritin (loratadine)
Certain cholesterol drugs like Zocor (simvastatin) and Lipitor (atorvastatin)
Certain diuretics like Microzide (hydrochlorothiazide)
Ibuprofen
Retinoids
Alternatives
What Other Types of Light Therapy Can Be Used for Psoriasis?
Red light therapy isn't the only form of phototherapy used to treat psoriasis. According to Dr. Henry, other light-based therapies include:
Excimer Laser: This laser emits focused UVB light to target affected areas of the skin while avoiding exposure to healthy skin.
PUVA Therapy: Psoralen combined with UVA light therapy (PUVA) involves using psoralen medication (a drug that makes the skin more sensitive to ultraviolet A (UVA) light) alongside UVA light exposure to manage psoriasis symptoms.
UVB Phototherapy: Ultraviolet B light therapy involves controlled exposure to UVB light to slow down the excessive growth of skin cells.
When to See a Derm
Talking to Your Doctor About Red Light Therapy
Before trying any new skin treatment, you should always see a board-certified dermatologist for their professional opinion on the matter. Red light therapy is no exception. "A trained dermatologist can evaluate your specific condition, recommend suitable treatment options, and ensure that the chosen therapy aligns with your overall health and needs," says Dr. Henry. If you are interested but have concerns, always speak up: It's important to be your own advocate. Also, it's a great idea to do some research beforehand and to bring any questions you might have for your doctor.
Bottom Line
Takeaways
Red light therapy is one of many effective treatment options for psoriasis. However, it's most beneficial in mild to moderate cases and often works best when combined with other therapies. If you're considering red light therapy, be sure to do your research and consult your dermatologist before making the leap and getting an expensive at-home device. If you can, having red light therapy administered by a professional in a healthcare setting will ensure you get the best results possible.
This article was originally published September 29, 2023 and most recently updated October 23, 2023.
© 2023 HealthCentral LLC. All rights reserved.
Comments
Post a Comment