Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Red Light Therapy And Psoriasis

My Experience With Red Light Therapy

New psoriasis treatment uses light therapy, how to get in on the study

We originally purchased a Joovv when my husband had hernia surgery. Much of the research showed faster recovery and wound healing. He used the device twice a day during his recovery and healed faster than expected.

With 5 minutes a day in front of the light, Ive noticed that my skin is firmer. I seem to have fewer wrinkles and I love that my c-section scar and stretch marks are fading. It also seemed to really help reduce hair loss post-baby after I had my daughter.

Most exciting for me is that it has also been helping my thyroid and Im working to reduce my thyroid medication dosage over time.

What Else Do I Need To Know About Red Light Therapy

There are a lot of variables to consider when thinking about red light therapy:

  • Is RLT covered by my health insurance? Red light therapy is typically not a covered treatment. You may want to call your health insurance company before seeking treatment.
  • How many treatments will I need? Youll likely need ongoing treatments. This is not a one-time treatment for most skin conditions. Youll need to be seen one to three times a week for weeks or even months. Also, is there a need for additional touch-up treatments? This may add up to a lot of time and considerable out-of-pocket costs.
  • Will I achieve the desired results? Everyones skin is different so results can vary. Also, the wavelength of the red light source ranges. The wavelength affects how deeply the light penetrates your skin. The wavelength of the red light device being used in a doctors office versus in your at-home device could affect your desired result.
  • Do you trust the experience of the person providing the red light therapy? For example, is a tanning salon a place you feel comfortable receiving this treatment or might it be better to first be seen and possibly treated by a medical professional?
  • Is red light therapy an appropriate treatment for my skin condition? Are other, more scientifically vetted approaches a better choice for my skin condition? See your healthcare provider to confirm a diagnosis and discuss appropriate treatment options.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Red Light Therapy For Weight Loss

Does it work for fat loss? And against cellulite?

Summary: Low-level laser therapy has demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing body volume. The changes were caused by a reduction in fat, not just fluid or fat movement. And when combined with exercise, LLLT has the additional effect of improving body aesthetics and aiding in the treatment of cellulite.

When we have extra kilograms on our scales or extra centimeters on our waist, we dream of them leaving without changing our diet or committing to exercise. The market is full of different products that promise results without effort. Alas, most of them do not work, and often their effectiveness is not tested by scientific research. What about LLLT? Does it work for weight loss? And against cellulite? Many studies have been conducted on the effects of LLLT on weight loss. We would like to mention some of them here.

Back in 2009, a study was conducted to evaluate the use of 635 nm and 17.5 mW of output power for body contouring, namely the waist, hips, and thighs. According to the results of the study, the participants in the treatment group had a total reduction of -3.51 inches and placebo -0.684 inches.

There is a study that concluded that even bright morning light affects weight loss. It can reduce fat and appetite in overweight women and can be included in weight control programs.

Example before and after six LLLT treatments for 2 weeksPre and post-3-month treatment for a 27-year-old woman.

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How Much Does Red Light Therapy Cost

There is a wide variety of red LED light therapy products for at home use. Be prepared to spend at least $50, and even over $1000 for the more expensive, top-quality models. Depending on your needs there are small portable units that are convenient and easy to use, or deluxe home models at take up more space and must be plugged in. Whichever product you choose for at-home use, it is sure to be much more cost effective than visiting a doctor for the same treatment. To help you decide which is best for you, well discuss a variety of models in this guide below.

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Red Light Therapy For Wrinkles And Density

Light Therapy for Psoriasis_NIRRedLightTherapy.com

Summary: Because of its effect on increasing collagen density, red light therapy helps reduce fine lines, wrinkles, skin roughness, and improving complexion.

Noticeable age-related changes include skin density and hyperpigmentation. As we age, we produce less collagen, and as a result, our skin loses elasticity.

A controlled trial in 2014 determined the effectiveness of red and near-infrared light to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, skin roughness, and intracutaneous collagen density increase.

Examples: Before and After

Patient photography examples before and after. 64-year-old woman, energizing light technology . 41-year-old woman, red light therapy

Rocha Mota L, Motta LJ, Duarte IDS, et alEfficacy of phototherapy to treat facial ageing when using a red versus an amber LED: a protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

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How Often Should I Use Red Light Therapy

Red light therapy is becoming a go-to for people seeking relief from chronic skin conditions, muscle and joint pain and for those who want to reduce the visible signs of aging. If youre wondering how often you should use red light therapy for the best results, the short answer is that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. But most people get good results with a 15-minute daily session 3-5 times per week for several months.

How Effective Is Light Therapy For Psoriasis

Using red light therapy for psoriasis can be quite effective if you follow a consistent routine. Start introducing your skin to RLT slowly to rule out the sensitivity. If 2-3 minutes of red light exposure doesnt cause any adverse effects, you can increase the longevity and frequency of red light treatments.

Research indicates that light therapy helps 50 to 90 out of 100 people who are fighting psoriasis ease or eliminate flare-ups .

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Study : Treated Patch Improved Continuously During Four Weeks Of Treatment

A small number of patients with mild or moderate plaque psoriasis were enrolled in this clinical trial. The goal was to find out whether blue light could safely and effectively treat psoriasis at home.

Heres what the study involved and what the patients saw after four weeks of treating the same patch of psoriasis every day with blue light.

Number of patients
Here’s a summary of the results that all patients in this study obtained:

  • Two patients had complete clearing of the treated psoriasis patch.
  • Most patients saw some reduction in the size of the psoriasis patch.
  • Some patients had no response to the blue light treatment.
  • No one saw the treated psoriasis worsen with blue light therapy.

The researchers concluded that blue-light treatment is safe to use at home and can reduce psoriasis for some patients.

Where Do You Get Red Light Therapy

Light Therapy Fades My Psoriasis!

Itâs usually done in a doctorâs office. But some salons and dental offices do it, too. You can also buy your own red light therapy device. Salon and at-home treatments are more likely to cause side effects or injury. Talk to your doctor if youâre thinking about red light therapy.

âA Controlled Trial to Determine the Efficacy of Red and Near-Infrared Light Treatment in Patient Satisfaction, Reduction of Fine Lines, Wrinkles, Skin Roughness, and Intradermal Collagen Density Increase.â

Pain Research and Treatment: âEfficacy of the LED Red Light Therapy in the Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders: Double Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.â

Journal of the American Geriatrics Society: âImprovement of Pain and Disability in Elderly Patients with Degenerative Osteoarthritis of the Knee Treated with NarrowâBand Light Therapy

Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery: âLow-level laser therapy in skin: stimulating, healing, restoring.â

British Journal of Sports Medicine: âA randomised, placebo controlled trial of low level laser therapy for activated Achilles tendinitis with microdialysis measurement of peritendinous prostaglandin E2 concentrations.â

Doris Day, MD, clinical assistant professor of dermatology, New York University Langone Medical Center.

American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery: âLED Therapy Studies.â

Annals of Biomedical Engineering: âThe Nuts and Bolts of Low-level Laser Therapy.â

NASA Science: âInfrared Waves.â

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What Does Red Light Therapy Do

Red light therapy uses high-level lasers to kill off any excess of the naturally occurring yellow or red blood cells. This process also helps eliminate any plaques that are on the top layer of your cornea and improves the health of your eyes. These plaques happen over time from the build-up of deposits that your eyes make. Red light therapy works by improving the health of the laser and therefore the health of your eyes.

In a nutshell, it works just like the traditional method of treating macular degeneration. Basically, you are going to be put under a red light that is a fraction of the size of the laser. This will send a burst of light at high intensity onto the retina. It is this red light that gets rid of the deposit and allows you to have a clearer vision.

What Is Red Light Therapy And How Does It Work

Summary : Red light therapy consists of red and near-infrared light waves. Due to their penetrating ability, they penetrate deep into the skin, bones, brain, and blood, and then they encourage energy production in the cells.

Red light therapy uses red and near-infrared light for therapeutic purposes.

Red light therapy is also often called:

  • Low-level laser therapy
  • LED light therapy
  • Biostimulation

Infrared light is not visible, but your body can feel the heat. Red light is similar to infrared, but it is visible. Light in the red and near-infrared wavelengths penetrate deeper into the skin than other light sources in the spectrum.

RLT reaches a cells mitochondria and allows them to use oxygen more efficiently to produce ATP .

Light penetration into skin illustrating the depth to which wavelengths penetrate human skin. Red light is extinguished some 45 mm beneath the skins surface, whereas ultraviolet light hardly penetrates at all, and blue light barely 1 mm into tissue .

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How Red Light Therapy Works

Light-sensitive chromophores within the mitochondria absorb red and infrared light photons, and convert this light into energy, much like photosynthesis in plants.

Enhanced energy production within cells gives them the boost they need to perform their functions.

The outcome is an improvement in normal bodily functions in the treated area and often widespread effects. For example, red wavelengths appear to have a neuroprotective effect on the brain, even when areas far from the brain are exposed to light.

Relieving Symptoms Of Psoriasis With Light Therapy

Dermalux Light Therapy

About 8 million Americans have psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic condition that can make skin red, thick, and scaly. Its not contagious, but it can be very uncomfortable and embarrassing for the men, women, and children who have it.

Unfortunately, psoriasis has no cure. Topical creams and ointments can treat mild psoriasis, but if yours is more severe, topical treatments may not be enough.

Thats where light therapy comes in. Light therapy, which uses controlled ultraviolet light to treat affected skin, can relieve symptoms of psoriasis without damaging surrounding skin.

Oswald Mikell, MD, is a psoriasis specialist at Dermatology Associates of the Lowcountry. He regularly recommends light therapy with the XTRAC® system to treat psoriasis.

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Can Anyone Who Has Psoriasis Use Phototherapy

While dermatologists prescribe phototherapy for many people, it is not recommended for anyone who has:

  • Had a melanoma or any other type of skin cancer

  • A medical condition that makes you more likely to develop skin cancer, such as Gorlin syndrome or xeroderma pigmentosum

  • A medical condition that makes you sensitive to UV light, such as lupus or porphyria

  • To take medicine that makes them more sensitive to UV light, such as some antibiotics, diuretics, and antifungals

Research Shows Red Light Therapy Reduces Itchiness And Swelling From Eczema

In one of the initial human trials analyzing red light and eczema, researchers followed 81 patients for nearly a year, measuring how their symptoms progressed with regular treatments. The researchers evaluated eczema rashes before, during, and after patients tried red light therapy treatments. People received just one, 2-minute red light therapy session per week. Even with such a short treatment, researchers found considerable improvements in common eczema symptoms, including a reduction in all of the following:

  • Gooseflesh-like bumps
  • Reddening
  • Pimples or swelling

The research team also evaluated itchiness levels before, during, and after red light therapy and found patients picked their skin less and had fewer leathery patches when treated with red light therapy. This study also noted there were no side effects during or after the red light treatments, in line with hundreds of other trials and studies on red light therapy for skin and health. For eczema treatment, researchers concluded that they consider that may become the new therapy of choice for common eczema. Consistency is key with natural light treatments, but in the study cited above, even infrequent, short treatments made a significant difference in the group of people with eczema that researchers analyzed.

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Moderate To Severe Psoriasis

Treatments for moderate to severe psoriasis include prescription medications, biologics and light therapy/phototherapy.

Oral medications. This includes acitretin, cyclosporine and methotrexate. Your doctor will recommend the best oral medication based on the location, type and severity of your condition.

Biologics. A new classification of injectable drugs, biologics are designed to suppress the immune system. These tend to be very expensive and have many side effects, so they are generally reserved for the most severe cases.

Light Therapy/Phototherapy. Controlled exposure of skin to ultraviolet light has been a successful treatment for some forms of psoriasis. Two primary light sources are used:

  • Sunshine . Sunshine can help alleviate the symptoms of psoriasis, but must be used with careful monitoring to ensure that no other skin damage takes place. It is advised that exposure to sunshine be limited to controlled, short bursts.
  • PUVA. This treatment combines a photosensitizing drug with UVA light exposure. This treatment takes several weeks to produce the desired result. In some severe cases, phototherapy using UVB light may lead to better results.

Red Light Therapy Vs Cold Water Immersion Therapy

Leanne Venier: How RED Light Therapy Gets rid of Wrinkles, Pain, Eczema, Acne, Jaundice & Depression

Both red light therapy and cold water immersion therapy are used by athletes to speed up muscle recovery post-workout. An example of CWIT is taking a plunge in an ice water bath .

Fortunately, with RLT, you can skip the cold and still reap all the recovery benefits.

In a comparison between RLT and CWIT, researchers found RLT better for recovery because it was also able to decrease blood lactate levels . The lactic acid buildup in your muscle tissues is what causes you to feel sore.

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Is Red Light Therapy Effective

Most experts say that they dont know yet if RLT is effective for all its claimed uses. Most say that the studies published so far show some potential for certain conditions, but that more studies need to be conducted. Red light therapy is still an emerging treatment thats generating growing interest. But at this point in time, theres not enough evidence to support most uses.

The gold standard of studies to determine if a product is effective is a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. This means that a certain number of people with the same range of characteristics get either the study treatment or a placebo for treatment of the same condition. Some studies also include a comparison to another commonly used treatment. Results can then be compared between the emerging treatment versus no treatment or versus a current standard treatment.

Many of the published studies using RLT included only a small number of people, didnt include a placebo group, werent conducted in humans or were limited to cell tissue itself. Most researchers say results so far look promising, but that more quality studies with larger numbers of people are needed.

The 4 Steps Of How To Use Red Light Therapy As A Beginner At Home Find The Steps Here

byKatia AbazovNovember 9, 2021, 11:23 am

Are you trying to see how you can improve the appearance and longevity of your skin? If you find that your skin is looking gray, dull, and age-worn, then consider using a new therapy method to help bring the youth and brightness back to your skin!

How does one not want a young and youthful appearance? Instead of worrying about how you will look in a few years, trying to get rid of wrinkles, and using unsafe measures to get rid of age lines like botox or fillers use a safe and much more effective method on your face that is long-lasting for your overall skin health.

We recommend using red light therapy but what is this? Since this skin-healing method is less used than other options, such as facials, fillers, Botox, surgeries, and other heating methods, you may find you can find less information about this therapeutic method.

But doing the research ahead of time can show that this might be the best option for you to help reduce age spots on your skin and make you feel 100% confident in your looks once more!

See more the details of red light therapy how to use this method, the benefits of this therapy modality, and why you should use it instead of other options.

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