Psoriasis and Red Light Therapy
The Daily Struggle
Psoriasis is a chronic, recurrent, and immune-mediated inflammatory disease that affects 2–3% of the world population. Living with psoriasis is more than just dealing with red, flaky patches on your skin. It’s about waking up every day, looking in the mirror, and feeling like your reflection doesn’t match the brilliant, confident woman you know you are (most days)! It’s about the countless times you’ve covered up, canceled plans, or avoided social situations because you felt self-conscious.
The Emotional Rollercoaster
Psoriasis can mess with your mind. It can make you feel isolated, anxious, and even depressed. The constant worry about flare-ups, the fear of judgment, and the relentless itch can wear you down. It’s exhausting, isn’t it? You deserve to feel at peace in your own skin, and it’s okay to admit that some days are tougher than others. We live in a world that puts a premium on flawless beauty, and having a visible skin condition can feel like you’re falling short of those unrealistic standards. Psoriasis can chip away at your self-esteem, making you question your worth and beauty. But you need to know that your worth isn’t measured by your skin. You do know this - don’t you?
Embracing Self-Care
Taking care of your mental health is just as important as treating your skin. Find activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Whether it’s practicing mindfulness, indulging in a hobby, or just taking a long, soothing bath, make time for yourself. Remember, self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential.
Celebrating Small Victories with Red Light Therapy
Every step you take towards managing your psoriasis, both physically and emotionally, is a victory. Celebrate the days when your skin feels a bit better, when you feel a bit more confident, and when you show yourself a little extra love. It’s these small victories that add up and make a big difference. Given the massive focus on skin care and red light right now - what’s happening in the research for people suffering from psoriasis?
In 2010 this study was published. This research aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of combining 830-nm and 633-nm LED phototherapy for treating stubborn psoriasis.
Subjects and Methods
Nine people with chronic psoriasis (3 men, 6 women, mean age 34.3, skin types I to IV) who had not responded well to conventional treatments were recruited. They underwent sequential LED treatments with continuous-wave 830 nm (near-IR) and 633 nm (red) in two 20-minute sessions over 4 to 5 weeks, with 48 hours between sessions (830 nm, 60 J/cm²; 633 nm, 126 J/cm²).
Results
All patients completed their LED regimens (4 needed one regimen, 5 required a second). Follow-up periods ranged from 3 to 8 months, with two patients lost to follow-up. At the end of the follow-up period, clearance rates ranged from 60% to 100%, and patient satisfaction was universally very high.
The anti-inflammatory effects of LED energy at 830 nm and 633 nm are well documented, as is their use in wound healing. LED phototherapy is easy to apply, pain-free, side-effect-free, and well-tolerated by patients of all skin types. The promising results of this preliminary study suggest the need for a properly controlled double-blind study with a larger patient population.
