From the Guidelines
Infrared light therapy is not a recommended treatment for psoriasis based on the available evidence, and UV light therapy remains an essential therapeutic option for patients with psoriasis. The American Academy of Dermatology guidelines for the management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis suggest that UV light therapy is efficacious, cost-effective, and generally lacks the systemic immunosuppressive properties of both traditional and biologic systemic therapies 1.
Treatment Options
- UV light therapy, including narrowband (NB)-UVB therapy, is a well-established treatment for psoriasis, with a long history of use and a strong evidence base to support its efficacy 1.
- The use of infrared light therapy for psoriasis is not supported by the available evidence, and its safety and effectiveness for this indication are not well established.
- Traditional treatments for psoriasis, such as topical corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs, and systemic medications, remain the mainstay of treatment for this condition.
Safety and Efficacy
- UV light therapy has a well-established safety profile, with the main risk being overexposure, which can cause burns 1.
- In contrast, the safety and efficacy of infrared light therapy for psoriasis are not well established, and patients should exercise caution when using this treatment modality.
- Patients with photosensitivity disorders or those taking photosensitizing medications should consult their healthcare provider before starting any light therapy, including UV or infrared therapy 1.
Clinical Recommendations
- UV light therapy, including NB-UVB therapy, is a recommended treatment for psoriasis, based on consistent and good-quality patient-oriented evidence 1.
- Infrared light therapy is not a recommended treatment for psoriasis, based on the available evidence, and patients should be cautious when using this treatment modality.
- Healthcare providers should consult the American Academy of Dermatology guidelines for the management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis for the most up-to-date and evidence-based treatment recommendations 1.
From the Research
Infrared Light and Psoriasis
- There is no direct mention of infrared light in the provided studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The studies focus on various treatments for psoriasis, including topical agents, phototherapy, systemic treatments, and biologic agents.
- Phototherapy is mentioned as a treatment option, but it specifically refers to UVB and PUVA therapy, not infrared light 2, 4.
- The most commonly prescribed light therapy for plaque psoriasis is narrowband UV-B phototherapy, with no mention of infrared light 4.
- Topical therapies, such as corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues, and calcineurin inhibitors, are discussed as treatment options, but infrared light is not mentioned 3, 5, 6.
Treatment Options for Psoriasis
- Topical treatments are the first line of treatment for mild psoriasis, with options including corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues, and calcineurin inhibitors 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Phototherapy, including UVB and PUVA, is used for patients who do not respond to topical treatments 2, 4.
- Systemic treatments, such as methotrexate, cyclosporin, and acitretin, are used for patients with moderate to severe psoriasis who do not respond to topical treatments or phototherapy 2, 3, 4.
- Biologic agents, such as inhibitors of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin-17 (IL-17), are used for patients with severe or unremitting psoriasis 3, 4.