From the Research
There is no scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of ILIB (Intense Laser Irradiation Beam) therapy for treating skin allergies. ILIB is not an established or FDA-approved treatment for skin allergies, and patients should instead seek evidence-based treatments such as topical corticosteroids, antihistamines, or immunotherapy depending on the severity and type of skin allergy. For mild to moderate allergic skin reactions, over-the-counter options like 1% hydrocortisone cream applied 2-3 times daily for up to two weeks, or oral antihistamines such as loratadine (10mg daily) or cetirizine (10mg daily) may provide relief. More severe or persistent cases should be evaluated by a dermatologist or allergist who can prescribe stronger medications or recommend appropriate treatments. While some alternative therapies claim to use low-level lasers for various conditions, the mechanisms proposed for ILIB (such as blood irradiation to improve circulation or immune function) have not been scientifically validated for allergic skin conditions, which are primarily driven by immune hypersensitivity reactions requiring specific anti-inflammatory or immunomodulatory approaches.
Key Considerations
- The most recent and highest quality study on phototherapy for atopic eczema, a common skin allergy, found that narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy may improve physician-assessed signs and patient-reported symptoms compared to placebo or no treatment 1.
- However, there is no evidence to support the use of ILIB therapy for skin allergies, and patients should instead seek established treatments.
- Topical corticosteroids, antihistamines, and immunotherapy are evidence-based treatments for skin allergies, and their use should be guided by the severity and type of skin allergy.
Treatment Options
- For mild to moderate allergic skin reactions:
- 1% hydrocortisone cream applied 2-3 times daily for up to two weeks
- Oral antihistamines such as loratadine (10mg daily) or cetirizine (10mg daily)
- For more severe or persistent cases:
- Evaluation by a dermatologist or allergist
- Prescription of stronger medications or recommendation of appropriate treatments
Conclusion Not Applicable
Instead, the focus is on providing evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of skin allergies, prioritizing morbidity, mortality, and quality of life as outcomes. The lack of scientific evidence supporting ILIB therapy for skin allergies means that patients should seek established treatments, and healthcare providers should prioritize evidence-based recommendations when guiding patients with skin allergies. As noted in a study on advances in phototherapy for psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, NB-UVB represents the gold standard for treating these conditions, and other forms of phototherapy, such as vascular lasers and low-level light therapy, cannot be recommended due to a lack of well-controlled studies 2.