Eczema or Psoriasis? Try an Infrared Sauna
Two skin conditions that are notorious for leaving the skin hot, itchy and painful are eczema and psoriasis. Most individuals who suffer from these conditions experience a decrease in confidence and self-esteem, partially due to the obvious nature of each. While there are a number of treatments, there is no cure. However, infrared saunas can offer a solution to help manage the symptoms and reduce the physical and emotional toll.
If you are new to infrared saunas, you can learn a bit more about why we love them by reading up here, but in short: Infrared saunas provide a non-invasive and relaxing approach to detoxification and pain relief. Infrared treatments increase blood circulation by deeply penetrating the body, raising the core temperature and causing a crazy-intense sweat. The skin is rejuvenated and healthier when it has more blood running through it and during an infrared session you are undergoing a detoxification process, cleansing your pores of toxins and helping the skin expel dry, dead skin cells. Regular sauna use can help control skin inflammation and promote rejuvenation, which in turn can help minimize the constant itch associated with eczema and psoriasis.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition caused when skin cells grow too quickly. New skin cells pile up instead of shedding, which leaves those affected with scaly, red and itchy skin. The symptoms can be exacerbated by various factors including weather, infections and stress. Eczema, a skin condition typically caused by environmental factors like dust, heat, changes in weather or certain fragrances, is a condition in which patches of skin become rough or inflamed with blisters, often causing severe itching or bleeding.
Infrared treatments, due to the deep penetration and increased circulation, can assist alleviating troublesome skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema by:
- Removing dead skin cells
- Delivering nutrient supplies to the epidermis
- Pushing out toxins from the skin
- Supporting and strengthening the immune system
- Decreasing stress and promoting relaxation
Using an infrared sauna treatment can be an added benefit in treating or learning how to manage these skin conditions, it can help manage triggers that may cause flare-ups and promote a stronger, healthier immune system.
References:
- Crinnion, Walter J. Sauna as a Valuable Clinical Tool for Cardiovascular, Autoimmune, Toxicantinduced and other Chronic Health Problems. Alternative Medicine Review 2011; 16(3): 215-225
- Elmets, Craig A., Leonardi, Crag L., et al. Joint AAD-NPF guidelines of care for the management and treatment of psoriasis with awareness and attention to comorbidities Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 2019; 80(4): 1073-1113
- Hamblin Michael. (2017). “Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation.” [Online] National Center for Biotechnological Information. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5523874/
- Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/types-of-eczema
- Psoriasis (n.d). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriasis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355840
- Sullivan, D., 2020. 10 Psoriasis Triggers To Avoid. [online] Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/psoriasis/triggers-to-avoid#smoking
- Sullivan, D., 2020. 7 Types Of Eczema: Symptoms, Causes, And Pictures. [online] Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/types-of-eczema
- Watson, S. and Cobb, C., 2020. New Psoriasis Treatments For Adults And Kids. [online] Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/psoriasis/moderate-to-severe/all-you-need-to-know-latest-psoriasis-treatments
- “Study shows painful eczema symptoms negatively impact quality of life.” [online] Acaai.org, American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Available at: https://acaai.org/news/study-shows-painful-eczema-symptoms-negatively-impact-quality-life