As someone who has suffered from psoriasis since the age of 12, I welcome any attempts to shine a light on this complex and frustrating condition – such as Psoriasis Action Month, which takes place in August every year. 

This year, several different publications have highlighted the benefits of sauna bathing for those struggling with psoriasis. According to reports, regular use of saunas – particularly infrared units – can help to ease the uncomfortable symptoms associated with this condition. But is there any truth to these claims?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that affects some 1.3 million people in the UK. Sufferers experience a rapid turnover of skin cells which results in dry, red, and scaly patches of skin – although the exact cause of these symptoms remains unknown. And there’s no cure, either. Unfortunately, even those who have been in remission from psoriasis for many years may find the condition returning at any point during their lives. 

But it’s not all doom and gloom. Although the root cause of psoriasis is still a mystery, experts have pinpointed several factors, such as stress, diet, and lifestyle choices, as contributing to outbreaks. And as well as prescription treatments such as steroid creams and injections, there are also a number of natural remedies, including aloe vera, coconut oil, and colloidal oatmeal, that have been proven to alleviate symptoms. So could saunas be the latest addition to the ever-growing toolkit for psoriasis sufferers?

For many years, phototherapy – or exposure to UV light – has been used to improve the symptoms of psoriasis. But recent studies suggest that infrared light – which exists at the opposite end of the spectrum – can also be beneficial. The theory is that this type of light can work to reduce inflammation and heal wounds, which in turn can alleviate the plaques and scaling associated with psoriasis. On top of that, there is some research that suggests infrared light can have pain-relieving effects, offering further relief to those who suffer from this itchy, uncomfortable condition. 

So will psoriasis sufferers – many of whom have already experienced the benefits of phototherapy – soon be flocking to infrared saunas in droves? If so, they might have to join the queue. According to reports, infrared sauna use has increased an astonishing 40% over the last 12 months alone. And while many of these new users cite workout recovery and relaxation as key factors influencing their behaviour, a desire to improve skin health also appears to be a contributing factor.

Are we on our way, then, to a bright new future where dry, scaly skin is a thing of the past? While I won’t be retiring my moisturiser just yet, I’m excited to see where this research leads. After all, at Golden Coast, we love a good sauna, and infrared models such as the Tylösand are among our most popular products. 

If you’re looking for a way to incorporate this latest wellness trend into your home or business, speak to your local Tylö dealer about infrared saunas today.