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What is Psoriasis and how can LED therapy support it?
Psoriasis is defined as patches of skin that are dry, red and covered in silver like scales, which is an inflammatory skin disease that affects up to 3% of the population. Psoriasis is an increased production of skin cells. Skin cells are normally produced over the course of 28 days however clients who suffer with psoriasis this process only takes 3 to 7 days causing a build up of skin cells in certain patches and areas.
Mild cases of psoriasis can be treated with creams and ointments however in moderate to severe cases you may need light therapy treatments and that is where our tri-wave comes into play.
What is LED light/phototherapy?
Light Emitting Diode (LED)/ Phototherapy is a non-invasive treatment that targets specific non-thermal light to energise cells which triggers a bio-stimulatory response. It is scientifically proven for a wide range of indications including skin rejuvenation, acne and pigmentation to wound healing, psoriasis and pain relief.
LED light therapy does not transfer heat or create physical trauma making it particularly effective to treat problematic and inflammatory skin conditions, with the added benefit of a pain free treatment without any downtime, suitable for all skin types and nearly all ages.
There is a lot of research about natural sunlight and its benefits it has to an individual suffering with psoriasis. Light therapy such as the tri-wave can either involve selected areas of the body or whole-body exposure to artificial sources of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This is now a widely used treatment, to treat extensive psoriasis that is resistant to topical creams and therapies.
Photodynamic therapy is a treatment that uses light sensitive medication combined with a light source to selectively destroy damaged or abodmal cells and tissue, such as psoriasis.
Our LED light therapy machine uses; Blue Light(415nm), Red Light(633nm), and Near Infrared Light (830nm) where we expose skin to specific wavelengths/nanometres from visible colour to infrared on the light spectrum.
Blue light therapies key action is anti-bacterial, this light reachs just your epidermis (top layer of the skin, up to 1mm), this helps destroy all P.Acne bacteria which forms acne and congestion. Blue light helps purify acne and problematic skin whilst normalising oil production which in turn helps improve the skins overall clarity helping with inflammation. Blue light can be used to treat acne and blemishes, eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis, is also widely known to help enhance mood.
Red light therapies main action is to help rejuvenate and heal skin, this works by penetrating through the epidermis and into the dermis (second layer of the skin, 2 to 3mm deep). It has a powerful anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effect on the skin. Red light stimulates cell energy to accelerate repair and renewal, it helps boost collagen synthesis whilst increasing hydration, circulation and oxygenation, this is what helps with those visible signs of aging but also restoring optimum cell function, vitality and that gorgeous glow.
Near infrared light (NIR) targets the skins deepest layers and stimulates cell activity with advanced,need rejuvenation and healing benefits. NIR stimulates your cellular processes which increases collagen, elastin, growth factor production and repair mechanisms which is essential in the wound healing process. Increased vasodilation occurs (blood flow) stimulating the formation of new vessels and skin perfusion this aids the repair functionality of your skin and resets the production of your skin cells. NIR helps with calming redness and irritation such as inflammation, reducing any swelling and most of all accelerates that healing process.
The generalised course recommendation is 10 light therapy treatments with the frequency of 2 a week, however this can depend on the initial skin concern. Light therapy initiates that cell activation and the result of this can last up to several weeks, however this does depend on having regular maintenance treatments.
What light therapy treatment should I have if I suffer from Psoraris?
Pre-treatment: a gentle exfoliation will be applied to the area requiring treatment as a build up of dead skin cells can inhibit the light absorption neccessary for successful treatment, this can be done at-home prior to arrival or at the clinic.
Solution application: A salicylic acid based topical cream or even a vaseline may be recommended prior to light therapy to soften the plaques and remove any scaling that may be present.
Light level/wave length: Red (633nm) mild - moderate OR NIR (8300nm) moderate - severe
Light exposure time: 20 minutes
Immediate post treatment skin will feel warm to the touch and may appear slightly flushed due to that increased circulation and cell activation, this is a normal temporary response.
Depending on the severity of the clients Psoriasis/inflammatory skin condition visible improvement may take multiple sessions in close succession, up to 4 per week, to show visible difference.
More info can be found here about why we knew the dermalux tri wave MD was the only machine for us !!
I hope you've enjoyed learning a little bit about Psoriasis and how our amazing tri-wave can help and hopefully we see you soon in the clinic for some much needed light therapy and a chin wag!
All the best,
Nurse Ellie x
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