Red Light Therapy for Psoriasis: Review Of The Scientific Research

Red light therapy (RLT) is a type of phototherapy that has been used to treat various skin conditions, including psoriasis. Red light therapy for psoriasis involves exposing the affected area to a specific wavelength of red light, which reduces inflammation and promotes healing.

Scientific research and clinical trials show that red light therapy can be effective in improving the symptoms and make living with psoriasis much more comfortable. 

Red light therapy works by using wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to penetrate the skin and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin.

Additionally, the light stimulates the production of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), which is the energy for our cells. This helps to reduce inflammation and improve the overall health of the skin through tissue repair. It also helps to increase blood flow to the affected area, which can help to reduce redness and scaling.

"The main medical applications of LLLT are reducing pain and inflammation, augmenting tissue repair and promoting regeneration of different tissues and nerves, and preventing tissue damage in situations where it is likely to occur." [1]

As shown in the studies below, red light therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment of psoriasis, with tremendous therapeutic effects on overall skin health.

One of the benefits of red light therapy is that it is non-invasive and does not require any medication. It is also painless and has no known side effects. This makes it an ideal treatment option for those who are looking for a natural and safe way to manage their psoriasis symptoms.

The therapy can be used in combination with other treatments, such as topical creams and medications. As a result, it has become an increasingly popular treatment option for psoriasis patients.

Red light therapy devices are now available for at-home use. These devices use light emitting diodes (LEDs) to deliver red and near-infrared light to the skin. They are easy to use and can be used in the comfort of your own home.

When using an at-home red light therapy device, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. This will ensure that you get the best results possible and minimize the risk of side effects.

There have been several clinical studies conducted on the efficacy of red light therapy, in scientific studies often referred to as low-level laser therapy, for psoriasis. 

UV light therapy is another type of phototherapy. It uses ultraviolet light to treat psoriasis. UV light therapy may be administered in a doctor's office, clinic, or at home using a specialized light box. There are two types of UV light therapy: UVB and UVA.

UVB therapy uses a specific wavelength of UVB light to slow the growth of affected skin cells and reduce inflammation.

UVA therapy is often used in combination with a medication called psoralen, which increases the skin's sensitivity to UVA light.

While light therapy may be an effective treatment option for psoriasis, there are some risks associated with this type of therapy. UV light therapy, in particular, may increase the risk of skin cancer and premature aging of the skin. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of light therapy with a healthcare provider before beginning treatment.

Psoriasis affects the skin, causing red, scaly patches on different body parts. It is a chronic autoimmune condition that is non-contagious and affects millions of people worldwide.

The symptoms of psoriasis can vary depending on the type of psoriasis a person has. The most common symptoms of psoriasis include:

In light of the invasive nature of alternatives, it is no wonder why there has been hype about red light therapy as a convenient and safe option to manage psoriasis symptoms.

 Unlike topical creams or oral medications, red light therapy does not require any preparation or downtime, and it can be easily incorporated into a person's daily routine.

While more research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms and effectiveness, red light therapy is a safe, convenient, and promising type of therapy that can be used in combination with other treatments to help manage psoriasis.