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Magazine

Is Steam Good For Psoriasis? Benefits and Effectiveness

November 9, 2023

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Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disorder that affects the skin, causing red, scaly patches to appear. It is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, causing physical discomfort and emotional distress. The exact cause of psoriasis is still unknown, but it is believed to be a result of genetic and environmental factors.

Psoriasis can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. It can cause physical discomfort, such as itching, pain, and even joint stiffness in some cases. In severe cases, psoriasis can lead to complications like psoriatic arthritis, which affects the joints.

Man in sauna

What Is Steam Treatment For Psoriasis?

Steam treatment involves exposing the skin to warm, moist air for a specific period. The steam helps to hydrate the skin and unclog pores, allowing deep absorption of moisturizers and nutrients, which helps calm down psoriasis symptoms. Steam treatment is a non-invasive and drug-free option for treating psoriasis.

The steam treatment works by increasing the moisture content in the skin and softening the plaques, which can help reduce itching and inflammation. The heat from the steam also improves blood circulation, which can promote healing and reduce redness. Additionally, the steam can help loosen any scales or crusts on the skin, making it easier to remove them later.

There are different ways to undergo steam treatment for psoriasis. One common method is to use psoriasis steam rooms or saunas. Spending time in a steam room or sauna allows the moist heat to penetrate the skin and provide relief. Another option is to use a portable steam tent or a facial steamer at home. These devices allow you to direct the steam to specific areas affected by psoriasis.

While steam room treatment can provide temporary relief for psoriasis symptoms, like itchy skin, it is not a cure for the condition. Psoriasis is a chronic condition, and treatment options may vary depending on the severity of the symptoms. It is always best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment or therapy for psoriasis.

The History And Use Of Steam In Treating Skin Conditions

The use of steam in treating skin conditions dates back thousands of years. Ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all recognized the healing properties of steam and incorporated it into their medical practices. They believed that steam could help purify the skin and promote overall well-being.

In more recent times, steam therapy has gained popularity as a natural and holistic approach to treating various skin conditions, including psoriasis. Spa resorts and wellness centers now offer steam rooms and steam baths as part of their treatment options. Many individuals with psoriasis have reported positive results from incorporating steam therapy into their management plan.

Woman getting a massage in the sauna

Understanding The Benefits Of Steam Treatment For Psoriasis

Steam treatment offers several potential benefits for individuals with psoriasis. Firstly, warm, moist air can help hydrate the skin, which is essential for managing psoriasis symptoms. Dry skin can worsen psoriasis, leading to increased itchiness and irritation. Steam therapy can help moisturize the skin and relieve these symptoms.

1. Reducing Inflammation

Psoriasis is caused by an overactive immune system, which leads to inflammation and rapid skin cell turnover. Steam therapy helps to reduce inflammation and can even promote better blood flow, which can reduce the symptoms of psoriasis. When the skin is exposed to heat, it increases blood flow to the area, thereby pushing dead skin cells toward the skin surface which can help to reduce inflammation.

2. Moisturizing The Skin

One of the most immediate benefits of spending time in a steam room session for psoriasis treatment is the moisturizing effect it has on the skin. When you expose your skin to warm, humid air, it helps to hydrate the skin and increase its elasticity. For psoriasis sufferers, this is particularly beneficial as dry skin can often lead to flare-ups of the condition. Therefore, steam therapy can help to prevent further damage to the skin.

3. Removing Toxins

Toxins can build up in the skin, causing a variety of issues including psoriasis. Steam therapy helps to remove these toxins by opening up the pores and allowing sweat to flow freely. As a result, you may notice a buildup of toxins on your skin’s surface that are typically not visible to the naked eye. Steam treatment can help flush these toxins out and improve the overall health of your skin.

4. Relieving Stress

Stress is a common trigger for psoriasis, so anything that helps to reduce stress can also help to manage the condition. Steam therapy is known for its relaxing, therapeutic properties, and can help to calm your nervous system and reduce your stress levels. This, in turn, can help to manage your psoriasis symptoms.

5. Promoting Overall Wellness

Lastly, steam therapy has a host of other benefits that can help to improve your overall wellness. These benefits include improved cardiovascular health, better respiratory function, and enhanced relaxation. All of these benefits can lead to improved skin health and better management of psoriasis symptoms.

Scientific Evidence And Studies Supporting The Effectiveness Of Steam Treatment

While steam treatment for psoriasis has been used for centuries, scientific research on its effectiveness is limited. However, some studies have shown promising results.

A study published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment in 2019 investigated the effects of steam therapy on psoriasis patients. The study involved 40 participants who underwent 20 sessions of steam treatment over four weeks. The researchers found that steam therapy led to a significant improvement in psoriasis symptoms, including a reduction in plaque thickness and erythema.

Another study based on the use of Chinese medicine fumigation involved the use of steam derived from medicines to treat psoriasis. The idea was that the temperature and humidity help in better blood circulation and regress inflammation, thereby soothing irritated cells from within. The effective rate of the steam treatment was 93.5% in 200 patients fumigated with medicines.

While these studies provide some evidence for the effectiveness of steam treatment for psoriasis, more research is needed to fully understand its benefits and mechanisms of action.

A man relaxing in the sauna to get steam for psoriasis

How To Safely Incorporate Steam Treatment Into Your Psoriasis Management Plan

If you are considering incorporating steam treatment into your psoriasis management plan, do so safely and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

1. Consult with your dermatologist: Before starting any new treatment, consult with your dermatologist. They specialize in assessing your condition and providing personalized recommendations.

2. Take it one step at a time: If it is your first time undertaking steam therapy, begin by opting for shorter sessions. You can always increase the therapy duration gradually as your skin gets comfortable when exposed to heat and moisture regularly.

3. Avoid excessive heat: While steam treatment can be beneficial, it is crucial to avoid extreme heat that can further irritate your skin. Also, spending more than the required time in a psoriasis steam room can dehydrate you which will only worsen psoriasis symptoms. Ensure that the temperature is comfortable and not too hot.

4. Moisturize after treatment: After each steam session, moisturize your skin thoroughly to lock in the moisture and prevent dryness.

5. Combine with other treatments: Steam treatment can be used in conjunction with other psoriasis treatments, such as topical medications or phototherapy. Talk to your dermatologist about the best combination for your individual needs.

Other Alternative Treatments For Psoriasis

In addition to steam treatment, there are several other alternative treatments that individuals with psoriasis may consider. These include:

  • Phototherapy

Phototherapy is the process of exposing the skin to UV light, which can help slow down rapid skin cell growth and reduce inflammation.

  • Topical Treatments

Topical treatments, such as corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs, and retinoids, can help reduce inflammation and manage psoriasis symptoms.

  • Natural Remedies

Some individuals find relief from psoriasis symptoms by using natural remedies, such as aloe vera, tea tree oil, or apple cider vinegar. Take note that the effectiveness of these remedies may vary, and more research is needed.

Tips For Maximizing The Effectiveness Of Steam Treatment

To maximize the effectiveness of steam treatment for psoriasis, consider the following tips:

1. Consistency is key: Regularly incorporate steam treatment into your routine to maintain its benefits. Undergo 2-3 sessions per week.

2. Combine with a healthy lifestyle: Steam treatment is just one aspect of managing psoriasis. To optimize your results, follow a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management.

3. Monitor your progress: Keep track of your symptoms and any changes you observe after incorporating steam treatment. This way, you can measure its effectiveness and accordingly adjust the treatment plan to meet your requirements.

Final Thoughts: Is Steam Good For Psoriasis?

While steam treatment for psoriasis has a long history and anecdotal evidence of its benefits, scientific research is still limited. However, preliminary studies have shown promising results, suggesting that steam therapy may be a viable treatment option for psoriasis.

Remember that steam treatment is just one aspect of managing psoriasis. You should combine it with other treatments, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and regularly monitor your progress. By taking a comprehensive approach, you can optimize your results and improve your quality of life.

And when it comes to your quality of life, don’t compromise on anything, especially your skin health. In that regard, Medovie brings you its innovative skincare products that are naturally safe and effective in soothing and protecting irritated skin conditions and skin prone to eczema or psoriasis.

A chronic skin condition is more than just about how you manage symptoms or deal with the healing. Over time people tend to lose hope and accept that that’s just how life is with eczema or psoriasis or other skin troubles. However, Medovie aims to change that mindset and encourage people to believe that there is a better way of living, a better and long-lasting solution for all your skin issues.

The innovative 3HX™ formula is a double-action formula found in every Medovie product that supports healthy cell production from the inside and soothes and calms irritated skin from the outside. Backed by the official seal of recognition from The National Psoriasis Foundation, you can rest assured that your skin health is in good hands.

Make the switch to Medovie and you will find yourself supplied with everything you need to begin afresh on a journey to achieve better skin health.

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