When it comes to psoriasis treatments, light therapy is a common and effective option. You may be familiar with types of phototherapy like narrowband ultraviolet B (UVB) and psoralen and ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy. Another type that’s been generating buzz is red light therapy (RLT).

But what exactly is red light therapy, and can it truly help ease psoriasis symptoms?

Many members of the MyPsoriasisTeam community have wondered the same. “Has anyone tried red light therapy for their psoriasis? If so, did it help?” a member asked.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease in which an overactive part of the immune system causes skin cells to reproduce too quickly. In plaque psoriasis, the most common type of psoriasis, the skin develops thick, scaly lesions that can be itchy and painful. Although there is no cure for psoriasis, treatment of psoriasis symptoms often includes topical remedies, including:

• Over-the-counter medications with salicylic acid or coal tar
• Immunosuppressant drugs
• Steroids
• Biologic medications
• Phototherapy

In this article, we discuss how red light therapy can play a role in your psoriasis treatment plan. For individualized advice on treatment options, speak to your dermatologist.

What Is Red Light Therapy?

NASA developed red light therapy half a century ago to help grow plants in space. Clinical studies (research that tests treatments in people) then discovered that RLT might help heal the wounds of astronauts. Later findings revealed more precisely how RLT works and how it might be used in various medical applications.

RLT, also known as low-level light therapy or photobiomodulation, uses red or near-infrared light through low-power LED light sources.

RLT improves skin’s appearance and has been used cosmetically to reduce scars, wrinkles, discoloration, and signs of aging. It has also been used to treat acne, alopecia (hair loss), eczema, and psoriasis. Some studies have suggested that RLT could be an effective treatment for melanoma (skin cancer), but more research is needed to prove this before it’s widely recommended.

Red Light Repairs Tissue in a Unique Process

Although dermatology research on red light therapy is still limited, researchers believe RLT stimulates cell growth and rejuvenation in a process called photobiomodulation. Photobiomodulation changes cell behavior and stimulates genes that signal cell regeneration and healing. This type of tissue repair through light therapy is unique to red light/near-infrared light therapy. Its effects and mechanism of action for psoriasis continue to be studied.

Red Light Therapy Penetrates Deeper Into Skin

Red light therapy has been found to penetrate the layers of skin to a depth of about a quarter inch (6 millimeters). This allows the treatment to reach different types of skin cells. RLT doesn’t use UV light, which is known to cause skin cancer, and studies so far show it doesn’t harm skin cells when used properly.

Red Light Therapy Is an Emerging Treatment

Red light therapy for psoriasis is still considered a relatively new type of light therapy. One small study investigating the effects of red and near-infrared light found promising results, with participants showing 60 percent to 100 percent clearance of plaque psoriasis after four to five weeks of treatment.

Although results like these are promising, researchers and doctors generally believe there is more to learn about RLT. Additional data can help health care providers better understand how best to use RLT to treat psoriasis and other conditions. Ongoing studies will give more information about the safety and effectiveness of this emerging treatment.

Nonetheless, many MyPsoriasisTeam members have reported positive results from using RLT for psoriasis. Members have shared comments like these:

• “I’ve tried something new :) red light therapy. And OMG it’s been two weeks, my face is completely clear, my back is 98 percent clear, and my legs are getting better. It makes your skin feel so soft and even changes the texture of your hair.”
• “Started the red light therapy backup. Today will be my third trip, and I can already see improvement. Now if I can stop this itching — it is driving me crazy.”
• “I’ve tried red light therapy before. Red light therapy reduced the inflammation from my experience, but I didn’t stay committed to it because of the cost.”

Red Light Therapy Has Some Risks

RLT is considered safe in general, but health care providers are still determining protocols (treatment plans) that can provide a more precise understanding of its side effects. Side effects have been reported primarily with RLT for cosmetic applications and include:

• Skin burns and infections — Although rare, improper use of RLT devices or excessive exposure can cause mild burns, leading to discoloration, swelling, or blistering.
• Dyspigmentation — RLT can sometimes cause patches of lighter or darker skin. This may be more noticeable on darker skin tones, where it can create uneven skin color.
• Erythema — Erythema refers to skin redness that can range from pink to bright red on lighter skin tones, and from purple to brownish on darker skin. It’s a temporary response due to increased blood flow in the area.
• Koebner phenomenon — In people with psoriasis, RLT might trigger the Koebner phenomenon, where new psoriasis lesions develop in areas of skin trauma, such as where burns or irritation have occurred.
• Contact dermatitis — Some individuals may develop an allergic reaction to the devices or products used during RLT, causing itchy, inflamed skin in the treated area.

Discuss Red Light Therapy With Your Dermatologist

If you’re interested in learning more about red light therapy and if it might be appropriate for your psoriasis, talk to your doctor. RLT is typically given as a laser treatment in a clinical setting.

The RLT devices available for home use should be used with caution. It’s essential to understand which commercial options may be safe and effective and to have a clear grasp on how to use a device properly. Your doctor may advise against performing RLT at home and suggest in-office treatment instead if RLT seems right for you.

Find Your Team

MyPsoriasisTeam is the social network for people with psoriasis and their loved ones. On MyPsoriasisTeam, more than 130,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with psoriasis.

Have you tried red light therapy for your psoriasis? Did you and your doctor discuss using RLT versus phototherapy? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.