Eczema affects a bigger part of the population than you'd think. And, if you've got eczema you're probably not aware of the infrared sauna eczema interconnecting science. For that reason I decided to write this blog post, breaking down how the two topics are interrelated. In this blog, I give three reasons for the infrared sauna eczema benefits. But first, let's explore what eczema fundamentally is:
What Is Eczema? Eczema 101
Eczema is an inflammatory skin disease that affects about 10% of the human population (1; 2; 3). The disease is also known as 'dermatitis" or "atopic dermatitis".
Genetics play a risk in your chances of getting the disease, but other factors do so as well. Eczema mostly affects people in their younger years, although more adults are affected than commonly assumed.
The disease is characterised by an acute phase with "flare-ups" and a chronic phase. During that acute phase, inflammation goes up, resulting in red skin patches that are very itchy. That itch is risky because it makes people more prone to scratch their skin, resulting in even more skin problems down the road.
From later childhood, ankles, knees, elbows and wrists are most affected. Many people with eczema feel self-conscious if eczema affects their facial appearance. Eczema therefore not only affects skin health and appearance but the ability to socialise and the quality of life of many as well.
Naturally, as excess inflammation is one of the main issues plaguing people with eczema, anti-inflammatory medication is the most frequently used therapy to counter symptoms. During the acute phase, medication, whether oral or topical, becomes more important.
Light therapy, such as "ultraviolet light" exposure, is a common treatment for eczema too. Ultraviolet light is the part of sunlight that can give you sunburns. What's interesting is that the other part of the light spectrum, the infrared part, isn't considered yet. So let's explore that infrared sauna eczema link: