If you live in Edmonton and manage eczema or psoriasis, you may have seen red light therapy promoted as a gentle option for irritated skin. It is reasonable to ask whether it can help, but the answer needs some important context.
Red light therapy is not the same as medical UVB phototherapy. It should not be described as a cure or treatment for eczema or psoriasis, and it is not a replacement for prescribed care. At most, red and near-infrared light may offer supportive comfort, general inflammation support, or relaxation for some people when the skin is stable and a dermatologist agrees it is appropriate.
What’s the difference between red light therapy and UVB phototherapy?
Red light therapy uses non-UV red and near-infrared light, while UVB phototherapy uses medically prescribed ultraviolet wavelengths to influence inflammatory skin disease.
Red light therapy, also called photobiomodulation, commonly uses red light in the approximate 630–670 nanometre range and near-infrared light around 800–850 nanometres. The light is delivered at a low intensity and is thought to interact with cellular energy systems, including the mitochondria. In simple terms, it may support ATP production, cellular function, tissue repair, and the body’s handling of oxidative stress.
UVB phototherapy is different. Narrowband UVB usually uses wavelengths around 311–313 nanometres, while 308-nanometre excimer devices target specific areas. UVB works partly by suppressing local immune activity in the skin. That is why dermatologists may prescribe and monitor it for psoriasis and eczema.
A clinical review of psoriasis phototherapy explains that narrowband UVB and excimer treatment are established medical approaches, while low-level red and near-infrared light remain less established and require more research.
Does red light therapy help psoriasis?
There is not enough reliable evidence to say that red light therapy treats, clears, or controls psoriasis.
A few small studies have explored visible red and near-infrared light for psoriasis. Some reported changes in plaque appearance or severity. However, the studies vary in wavelength, dose, treatment schedule, and design. Many are small or preliminary.
The PubMed study comparing blue and red light for psoriasis is one example of research in this area, but it does not make red light therapy equivalent to dermatologist-supervised UVB treatment.
For psoriasis, red light should be viewed only as a possible supportive wellness option for general skin comfort or relaxation when the condition is stable. It should not replace:
- Prescribed topical medication
- Oral or injectable systemic treatment
- Narrowband UVB
- 308-nanometre excimer treatment
- Follow-up with a dermatologist
Do not stop prescribed psoriasis treatment to try red light therapy.
Does red light therapy help eczema or atopic dermatitis?
Red light therapy has not been established as a treatment for eczema or atopic dermatitis.
There is interest in whether photobiomodulation might support comfort, barrier recovery, or inflammation control. However, the stronger clinical evidence for eczema relates to medical phototherapy, especially narrowband UVB, not standard wellness red light sessions.
A Cochrane review of phototherapy for atopic eczema found that narrowband UVB may improve eczema signs and itching, but the evidence was still limited in certainty. This evidence should not be transferred to red or near-infrared light automatically.
Your dermatologist may recommend moisturizers, topical anti-inflammatory medication, non-steroid prescriptions, systemic medication, or medical phototherapy depending on your symptoms. Red light therapy is not a substitute for any of these.
Can red light therapy help with itching?
It may feel calming for some people, but red light therapy is not a proven treatment for eczema or psoriasis-related itching.
Itching can have several causes, including immune activity, a damaged skin barrier, dryness, infection, and the itch-scratch cycle. A relaxing session may make some people feel more comfortable, but that does not mean the underlying skin condition is being treated.
New, severe, spreading, or sleep-disrupting itch should be discussed with a physician or dermatologist.
Is red light therapy safe on inflamed, broken, or flaring skin?
Do not use red light therapy over actively flaring, cracked, open, weeping, infected, or significantly irritated skin unless your dermatologist specifically approves it.
Red light therapy is often described as low-risk when used correctly on intact skin. Still, inflamed or damaged skin may respond unpredictably. Heat, friction, product ingredients, or excessive exposure may increase discomfort.
Avoid a session and seek medical advice if you notice:
- Weeping or crusting lesions
- Pus, spreading warmth, or suspected infection
- Rapidly worsening inflammation
- Painful cracks or bleeding
- A new or unusual lesion
- A flare that is not responding to your care plan
Red light vs. UVB vs. topical steroids: how do they compare?
| Option | What it is | Who supervises it? | Typical use | Evidence strength for eczema or psoriasis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red and near-infrared light | Non-UV photobiomodulation using low-intensity red or near-infrared light | Wellness provider or healthcare professional, depending on setting | Supportive comfort and separate wellness or cosmetic goals | Early and limited for eczema or psoriasis; not a replacement |
| Narrowband UVB | Medical ultraviolet light, usually around 311–313 nm | Dermatologist or trained phototherapy team | Prescribed treatment for psoriasis and selected eczema cases | Established medical evidence, though individual response varies |
| 308 nm excimer | Targeted medical UVB light | Dermatologist or medical phototherapy team | Localized plaques or selected lesions | Established for selected conditions and body areas |
| Topical steroids | Prescription anti-inflammatory medication applied to skin | Prescribing physician or dermatologist | Control of eczema and psoriasis inflammation | Established when used as directed |
The Cochrane review of eczema phototherapy and the review of phototherapy for psoriasis explain why medical UV-based treatments should not be confused with general red light sessions.
Who should not use red light therapy without medical advice?
Speak with a dermatologist, physician, or pharmacist before booking if you have:
- A known photosensitivity disorder
- An active eczema or psoriasis flare
- Open skin, cracked skin, or weeping lesions
- Suspected or confirmed skin infection
- A prescription or non-prescription medication that increases light sensitivity
- Suspected skin cancer, a history of skin cancer, or an unusual changing lesion
- Pregnancy or questions about full-body treatment during pregnancy
- An eye condition or difficulty tolerating bright light
- A recent procedure or treatment that has made your skin more sensitive
Medication lists can be complicated. Ask a pharmacist whether any prescription, over-the-counter medication, or supplement may increase photosensitivity.
What can red light therapy realistically help with instead?
These are separate wellness or cosmetic use cases and should not be confused with treating eczema or psoriasis:
- Joint and muscle discomfort
- Post-workout soreness
- General inflammation support
- Skin tone and texture
- Fine lines
- Collagen support
- Acne support
- Wound-healing support in appropriate clinical settings
- Relaxation and stress reduction
The Cleveland Clinic overview of red light therapy describes red light as an emerging therapy with potential in areas such as skin appearance and discomfort, while noting that more research is needed for many promoted uses.
For more information about acne, read Does Red Light Therapy Help With Acne?. You can also review what the known side effects of red light therapy may be.
What should you do if you still want light sessions alongside dermatology care?
If your dermatologist says red light therapy is reasonable for you, practical precautions include:
- Start with a small patch of intact skin.
- Avoid sessions during an active flare.
- Do not use light over cracked, open, or weeping skin.
- Keep all dermatology appointments and follow your prescribed plan.
- Do not stop topical, systemic, or UVB treatment.
- Ask your dermatologist or pharmacist about medication-related photosensitivity.
- Keep red light sessions separate from the timing of topical applications unless your prescriber gives different instructions.
- Stop if you experience worsening redness, pain, burning, blistering, or unusual irritation.
- Protect your eyes according to the device or provider’s instructions.
- Tell your dermatologist that you are using or considering red light therapy.
You can also read our general guide to red light therapy safety in 2026.
What can you expect at Wave Therapy in Edmonton?
At Wave Therapy, a session begins with a conversation about your goals, relevant health history, medications, skin concerns, and comfort. This helps determine whether a wellness session is appropriate or whether you should speak with a medical professional first.
Wave Therapy does not diagnose eczema, psoriasis, infections, or suspicious lesions. A session is comfort-focused and uses red and near-infrared light for general wellness purposes. If your skin is actively flaring or damaged, you may be advised to wait and consult your dermatologist.
Alongside your care, massage may support relaxation and circulation, but it does not treat eczema or psoriasis. Massage Quest is a local massage provider and referral partner, and Book a Therapy is Wave Therapy’s sister company for massage services. If you have active lesions, infection, or sensitive skin, tell the massage provider before booking.
The practical answer
Red light therapy may be a supportive comfort option for some people with stable skin, but it does not cure, treat, or clear eczema or psoriasis.
Medical UVB phototherapy works through a different biological pathway and is the light treatment dermatologists prescribe and monitor for these conditions. Keep your dermatologist’s plan at the centre of care, and never replace prescribed medication or medical phototherapy with a wellness light session.
If you would like to learn more about Wave Therapy in Edmonton, explore sessions when appropriate, or book when you are ready, there is no pressure to proceed.
Sources and further reading
- Efficacy of blue light vs. red light in the treatment of psoriasis: a double-blind, randomized comparative study, PubMed
- A clinical review of phototherapy for psoriasis: PMC
- Phototherapy for atopic eczema: Cochrane review via PMC
- A Comprehensive Review of Phototherapy in Atopic Dermatitis: PMC
- Red Light Therapy, Cleveland Clinic
- What Is Red Light Therapy and Is It Safe? Healthline
Educational disclaimer: This article provides general information only. It is not a diagnosis and is not a substitute for medical advice, examination, or treatment. See a dermatologist or physician for psoriasis or eczema, especially if a flare is worsening, spreading, painful, infected, or not responding to your current care plan.
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