Does Sauna Help with Psoriasis?

Psoriasis affects an estimated 7.5 to 8 million people in the United States and about 125 million worldwide. If you're part of this community, you might be exploring every possible avenue to alleviate your symptoms. Among these options, sauna therapy often emerges as a topic of interest. But how effective is it for those battling psoriasis?

This comprehensive guide dives into the heart of sauna therapy, offering insights and practical advice for those considering this heat-based treatment.

Does Sauna Help with Psoriasis?

The potential benefits of sauna therapy for psoriasis are intriguing, yet the scientific community calls for more research to conclusively establish its efficacy and safety. A 2016 review of studies highlighted that while some smaller trials have suggested benefits, the overall evidence was limited and pointed towards the need for more rigorous investigations.

Furthering this research, a 2020 study compared traditional and infrared sauna therapies, observing their effects on psoriasis. The results were promising, showing significant reductions in symptom severity with both sauna types. Interestingly, the infrared sauna therapy emerged as more effective in this comparison.

Therapeutic Effects of Sauna on Psoriasis

1. Heat Therapy: A Soothing Embrace for Your Skin

Sauna therapy, which involves basking in dry or moist heat, has shown promise in providing relief for psoriasis sufferers. The warmth can thin the skin's top layer, potentially easing symptoms, especially during cold months when psoriasis often intensifies.

2. Inflammation Reduction: More Than Just Skin Deep

Research indicates that dry sauna sessions can lower C-reactive protein levels, a key inflammation marker. This reduction in systemic inflammation may lessen the severity of psoriasis flare-ups, offering a much-needed respite.

3. Enhanced Skin Hydration and Texture

Contrary to popular belief, sauna use can actually help maintain skin hydration, reducing scaling and plaque formation. The heat boosts blood circulation, fostering skin healing and improving overall skin health.

Tailoring Sauna Use for Psoriasis

Choosing the right type of sauna, managing the duration and frequency of sessions, and setting optimal temperatures are key to making sauna therapy work for you. Here are some tailored tips to help you get the most out of your sauna experience.

Selecting the Ideal Sauna Type

• Dry Saunas: Often preferred by psoriasis patients for their low-humidity, controlled environment.
• Steam Rooms: While beneficial for some, the high humidity might worsen symptoms for others.

Managing Duration and Frequency

• Begin with brief sessions (10-15 minutes) and gradually increase as your skin adapts.
• Start with 2-3 sessions weekly to monitor your skin's reaction.

Optimal Temperature Settings

• Start with moderate temperatures to assess skin tolerance.
• Avoid extremely high temperatures that could irritate your skin.

Essential Precautions for Sauna Enthusiasts with Psoriasis

When incorporating sauna therapy into your psoriasis management plan, it's important to take certain precautions. Staying hydrated, monitoring skin reactions, consulting with your dermatologist, avoiding sauna during flare-ups, and caring for your skin post-sauna are all crucial steps.

• Stay Hydrated: Ensuring adequate hydration before and after sauna sessions is key to preventing dehydration, which can exacerbate psoriasis.

• Monitor Skin Reactions: Observing how your skin reacts to sauna therapy is essential in customizing the treatment to your needs.

• Consult Your Dermatologist: Discussing sauna therapy with your dermatologist is important, especially if you're undergoing other treatments.

• Avoid Sauna During Flare-Ups: It's advisable to avoid sauna sessions during active psoriasis flare-ups to prevent aggravating the condition.

• Post-Sauna Skin Care: Moisturizing your skin after sauna use helps maintain hydration and protect the skin barrier.

A Personalized Approach to Sauna Therapy

Sauna therapy for psoriasis is not a universal remedy. It requires a personalized approach, considering individual skin reactions and overall health. The key is to approach sauna use cautiously, tailor it to your individual needs and reactions, and maintain open communication with your healthcare provider. With the right approach, sauna therapy can be a comforting and effective part of your psoriasis management plan, offering physical relief and a sense of relaxation and wellbeing.

Looking for more wellness tips and curious about sauna use? Check out our latest Sweat Decks blogs for more Health and Wellness tips