Red Light Therapy for Eczema and Psoriasis: Does It Help?

Living with eczema or psoriasis is frustrating. The constant cycle of flare-ups, the search for treatments that actually work, the trial and error with different products. If you're exploring red light therapy as an option, here's what you should know.

Both eczema and psoriasis involve chronic inflammation. Red light therapy works primarily by modulating inflammatory responses at the cellular level. It reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines and supports the body's natural healing processes.

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

• Reduced itching and irritation
• Improved skin barrier function
• Decreased inflammation markers
• Better healing of damaged skin

Psoriasis

Psoriasis has been treated with light therapy for decades (usually UV). Red light offers a gentler alternative without the skin damage risks of UV exposure.

• Slowing rapid skin cell turnover
• Reducing plaque thickness
• Decreasing redness and scaling
• Supporting overall skin healing

• Start slow: Begin with shorter sessions (5-10 minutes)
• Target affected areas: Position light directly over problem spots
• Be consistent: Daily or every-other-day treatments
• Track progress: Take photos to objectively assess changes
• Combine treatments: Use as a complement to existing care

Given the safety profile and the potential benefits, red light therapy is worth considering if you're struggling with these conditions. The worst case is you don't see dramatic improvement. The best case is you find something that genuinely helps manage a frustrating condition.