Laser Treatments and Eczema, do they work?
Eczema may be treated with several forms of light treatment, such as the excimer 308nm laser.
When other forms of treatment fail to alleviate eczema outbreaks, laser treatment can sometimes be performed everywhere on the body or on particular regions. Lasers have the potential to be an effective, noninvasive therapy for eczema. This sort of treatment can give immediate comfort to smaller, precise regions of your body as well as larger areas.
What do you mean by laser treatments for eczema?
Photobiomodulation, often known as light treatment, is a form of laser therapy. It entails using light to induce a physiological impact on cells and tissue. Depending on the requirements needed to treat a certain condition, several wavelengths and light sources may be utilised. Some therapies make use of lasers, while others make use of light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
According to research, the excimer laser, which utilises an ultraviolet B radiation source, is one of the most efficient kinds of laser treatment. Both adults and children can benefit from laser treatment for eczema.
So how does it work?
The excimer laser differs from aesthetic lasers in that it does not cause discomfort throughout the procedure and does not require any downtime for the patient thereafter. Instead, the Excimer laser uses a hand piece that sits firmly on the patient’s skin to send a highly intense yet painless beam of UVB radiation straight to the psoriasis, vitiligo, and atopic dermatitis areas. It uses sophisticated technology to precisely treat just the damaged skin while protecting the surrounding healthy tissue. Radiation does not permeate the healthy skin that surrounds the afflicted areas. For the clients, there really is no downtime.
For the light-emitting diodes (LEDs) therapy, it works by reducing the amount of white blood cells (T-cells) in the skin. White cells generate inflammation and contribute to eczema symptoms, thus lowering their quantity is critical since it results in reduced inflammation and symptom alleviation.
How long is the treatment and how often does it need to be done?
For laser therapy to be genuinely effective, individuals must agree to several rigorous weeks of sessions, delivered two to three times per week for around three months. This can be longer in more severe cases. Treatment can last anywhere between 1–5 minutes and increases after each session.
OK, so does it really work?
In several laboratory trials, red light therapy has also been proven to be effective for eczema treatment, particularly when used in combination with other therapies.
A 2013 study looked at the effects of light treatment with an immunosuppressive medication. Researchers discovered dozens of new advantages for eczema treatment:
- Skin lesions have significantly decreased in severity.
- Inflammation reduction
- Skin barrier restoration
A study conducted in 2017 employed SCORAD, a clinical technique for determining the severity of eczema. Light treatment decreased skin thickening, histamine cells, and cell debris that had accumulated in the epidermis, according to the researchers. However, more study on red light and eczema is warranted, and studies are presently underway, but the existing data is highly promising, demonstrating how natural red light treatment may reduce itching and inflammation, as well as improve skin lesions in patients with eczema. Red light therapy has also been proven to be beneficial in the treatment of a variety of other skin diseases.
In conclusion
Laser treatments may improve the treatment of your eczema. They may be used in both concentrated regions of the skin and all over the body.
There are several disadvantages to the therapies, which include:
- The need for multiple ongoing treatments
- The possibility of probable side effects and adverse reactions
- These expenses are most likely not covered by Medicare.
If your eczema symptoms aren’t improving, you should consult with your GP or Dermatologist to see if laser therapy treatments are suitable for you.
