Is Infrared Sauna Good for Psoriasis and Eczema? Yes, infrared sauna is an effective way to ease the symptoms of psoriasis and eczema. Infrared light energy provides relief by reducing inflammation, cleansing the skin, increasing circulation to the affected area – boosting the immune system, and reducing stress levels.
IS INFRARED SAUNA GOOD FOR PSORIASIS & ECZEMA?
Infrared sauna may be an effective treatment for the management of Psoriasis and Eczema. It is early days and although we do not understand exactly how infrared therapy impacts these conditions, there is evidence that it can help ease the symptoms of both psoriasis and eczema.
Infrared energy penetrates the skin and heats the body from the inside. The increase in body temperature triggers the sweating process. Sweat droplets are pushed through the pores of the skin.
These droplets cleanse the skin and carry with them a natural antibiotic called dermcidin. This potent natural antibiotic may play a role in treating chronic skin conditions.
HOW TO TREAT PSORIASIS & ECZEMA WITH SAUNA
Anyone suffering from psoriasis or eczema should seek professional medical advice before using infrared sauna to treat the condition. Although there is no cure for either condition there are ways to manage and minimize the symptoms.
Among them, infrared sauna is showing very promising results for both psoriasis and eczema. As the infrared energy is absorbed by the body a number of physiological changes take place which may help relieve the symptoms.
SWEATING
Sweat is released through the pores as body temperature rises. This sweat contains a natural antibiotic called dermcidin. This anti-microbial agent cleans the skin by killing pathogens on the skin surface. The sweat also creates a protective layer that coats the skin.
INCREASED CIRCULATION
Heart rate and blood flow increase significantly during a sauna session. This means blood, oxygen, and nutrients are being pumped around the body and blood vessels at a greater rate.
This helps the skin receive more of the rejuvenating oxygen and nutrients it needs to heal and grow.
REDUCES STRESS
Stress is widely accepted as a trigger for an outbreak of symptoms. When the body is suffering from stress and anxiety it releases a hormone called cortisol.
Cortisol can cause inflammation which can provoke an eczema flare-up. The relaxing effects of a sauna reduce stress levels and help prevent flare-ups.
CLEANSES SKIN
As sweat passes through the pores it cleanses the skin. The tiny water droplets flush toxins and byproducts out of the skin. A sauna session is a great way to get an all-over deep skin clean and detoxify the body.
BOOSTS IMMUNE SYSTEM
Research shows that a sauna session can boost the immune system. A team of scientists from the Academy of Physical Education in Poland have discovered that white blood cell and monocyte production increased in participants that took regular saunas.
REDUCES INFLAMMATION
Infrared sauna heat therapy helps relieve inflammation-related pain. It can help the immune response that is triggering the inflammation and it will increase the flow of blood and oxygen into the affected area which will promote healing.
WHAT IS ECZEMA?
Eczema is a skin condition that makes the skin red and itchy. Also known as atopic dermatitis it is commonly found in children but can occur at any age. It is a long-lasting chronic illness that tends to flare up from time to time.
In its most serious forms, it can be quite debilitating and affect a person’s quality of life. The primary symptoms are – itchy dry skin, red/brown patches, raised skin bumps, and scaly/raw/cracked skin. Although there is no cure for eczema it can be treated and its symptoms managed.
Traditional treatments include creams, ointments, and moisturizers. Infrared sauna offers an alternative method of addressing these symptoms. The powerful healing effects of heat therapy may offer a new form of relief to eczema sufferers.
WHAT IS PSORIASIS?
Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes red patches of flaky skin with silver scales. It shares many similarities with eczema and it often takes a trained eye to tell the difference between the two. Psoriasis most commonly appears on the elbows, scalp, knees, and lower back.
It can vary in severity from minor irritation to a chronic condition that affects quality of life. The cause is not fully understood but it is believed to be linked to the immune system.
There is no cure for the condition and treatment consists primarily of topical creams and ointments containing vitamin D and corticosteroids. Infrared sauna cannot cure psoriasis but it offers a way of treating its debilitating symptoms.
READ NEXT
INFRARED SAUNA CAN TREAT MANY CONDITIONS
Infrared sauna is not only used to treat the symptoms of psoriasis and eczema. It can treat a range of chronic and debilitating conditions, see below.
ARTHRITIS
• Sauna can help relieve pain and stiffness. Read full guide: Arthritis & Infrared Sauna.
ALZHEIMER’S
• May slow disease progression and protect neurons.
PARKINSON’S
• May slow disease progression and help protect neurons from Parkinsons disease.
LYME DISEASE
• Can relieve inflammation, pain and detox the body. See our full guide to Sauna and Lyme Disease – Click here
INFLAMMATION
• Can ease inflammation in joints and swollen tissue.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Additionally, infrared sauna therapy promotes a wide range of health benefits – which include:
• CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH
• DETOXIFICATION – See Here
• PAIN RELIEF
• RELAXATION – See Here
• IMPROVED SLEEP
• MENTAL HEALTH
• WORKOUT RECOVERY – See Here
• SKIN HEALTH
• IMMUNE SYSTEM
READ NEXT
• The Health Benefits of Infrared Sauna
THE SCIENCE OF SWEATING
Sweating is a vital function that helps control body temperature. It involves the release of tiny sweat droplets through the pores in the skin – the largest organ in the body. Sweating is triggered by an increase in body temperature, increase in environmental temperature, and emotional state. Stress and anxiety trigger perspiration. The body contains two types of sweat glands – Eccrine and Apocrine sweat glands.
ECCRINE GLANDS
These glands release sweat from birth that is free from fatty acids and proteins. They are located all over the body and produce an odorless sweat.
APROCRINE GLANDS
These glands activate during puberty and secrete a sweat rich in fatty acids and proteins. These glands are concentrated around the groin, armpits, and scalp and their sweat contains an odor.
As sweat forms on the skin, it evaporates into the air which creates the cooling effect. Furthermore, sweating is a great way to detox the body of toxins and cleanse and protect the skin.
Working up a sweat in a sauna is an excellent way to boost your health, relax, and treat the symptoms of psoriasis and eczema.
DISCOVER YOUR DREAM SAUNA TODAY
Do you want to discover your dream home sauna? There are many affordable and convenient options available today. Check out our guides to sauna blankets, infrared heating mats, portable steam saunas, and infrared tents today!
PSORIASIS, ECZEMA & SAFE SAUNA
When taking a sauna it is important you do so safely. Sauna safety is particularly important if you are suffering poor health or a chronic illness such as psoriasis or eczema. See below for some advice on how to stay safe when you are taking a sauna. For more information see our guide to Sauna Safety – Click here.
About the Author
JAKE RAOUL
• Sauna Specialist
Meet Jake, a man with a passion for sauna therapy. Jake’s background is in science and his passion is wellness and fitness. Growing up in Orlando Florida, Jake enrolled in Florida International University where he graduated with a BS in Biological Sciences.
As a young man, he worked in the spa and wellness center at the renowned Breakers Palm Beach luxury hotel. Here he developed his skills and understanding of client-centered wellness delivery. Upon graduating from Florida International University he took up a research position focusing on the application and practical effects of steam therapy.
His research has contributed to advancing the understanding of steam sauna therapy and how it can be applied in the occupational health environment. His work in this area has been officially recognized for its impact on the field.
Jake is a devoted fan of the Orlando Magic basketball team. When not working and advancing his research he enjoys attending games at the Kia Center in downtown Orlando. He also likes to remain active in his local sports community and volunteers as a basketball coach for his local youth team.
With his background in scientific research and passion for wellness, Jake is a valuable addition to the Home Sauna Heaven writer’s team where he shares his knowledge and understanding of sauna therapy, steam sauna therapy, and how they can be used for best effect.
