Red Light Therapy for Eczema

RLT for eczema has recently attracted attention around the world. The studies suggest that Red Light Therapy could be an effective tool for treating conditions like eczema, psoriasis, acne scars, and rosacea.

Red and Green Light Therapy have become popular as a natural anti-aging tool because it has been shown to boost collagen production 138 – 211%, tighten the elastin layer and due to these changes improve skin tone and texture. In addition RLT increases ATP production by cellular mitochondria, optimizing regeneration. New capillaries can also form, and more oxygen and nutrients can begin to be delivered to the skin. ATP can also reduce inflammation.

What is eczema?

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is the most common form of dermatitis. People with the disease tend to have dry, itchy skin prone to infection. Genetic and environmental factors are also thought to play a part in pathogenesis.

How does Red Light Therapy for eczema work?

The researchers suggest that red light (630nm – 700nm) can penetrate deep into the skin, promoting blood circulation and healing. New capillaries can form, and more oxygen and nutrients are delivered to the skin. RLT increases the production of ATP from the cell mitochondria, which results in more “energetic” skin cells that can now function optimally, regenerate and heal. ATP also reduces inflammation that can lead to the main symptom of psoriasis: abnormally rapid replication of skin cells. Also, Red Light Therapy is shown to activate the lymphatic system and stimulates DNA/RNA synthesis. Since RLT is suggested to help restore normal cell function, the growth rate will normalize, and the patient will experience fewer and less intense flares and reduced redness, itching, flaking, and other symptoms. In conclusion, Photobiomodulation devices such as the Red Light Therapy beds are considered a safe option for people who want to try non-invasive and pain-free eczema treatment.

Benefits

Research suggests Red Light Therapy is a natural treatment option for eczema and psoriasis, with promising results in reducing itchiness and inflammation and helping speed the skin’s healing process. In addition to the itchiness reduction and other health benefits demonstrated in recent studies, natural Red Light Therapy is routinely found to be safe and pain-free.

• Reduces the severity of skin lesions
• Reduces inflammation
• Restores skin barrier

The photo below was taken by Bill Hanks at Huemn in Houston TX. The client after 8 weeks of 2 sessions per week, full POLY (ARRC LED’s, Red/Green/NearInfrared combination) was completely off of steroids and meds with full recovery.

Side effects

ARRC LED is dose optimized top and bottom to ascertain maximum efficacy to avoid side effects. Some conditions like Cancer, epilepsy and pregnancy are not candidates for photobiomodulation.

Research

In one study, in particular, patients with eczema were treated with Red Light Therapy, and the researchers obtained the following results:

• Itchy sensation decreased in 63 81 cases (79%) after this therapy.
• Skin eruption improved in 57 of 81 patients.
• There were no side effects during and after RLT.
• Major histocompatibility complex antigen and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1) expression on epidermal cells decreased after the therapy.
• CDI-positive epidermal dendritic cells did not change before and after RLT.

Source: Clinical application of low reactive level laser therapy (LLLT) for atopic dermatitis

Frequently Asked Questions

How many RLT treatments for eczema do I need?

All types of eczema require 2 – 3 RLT treatments per week.

Does RLT help with eczema?

Many studies are suggesting that RLT can be a helpful tool in treating eczema, although more studies are needed.