Sauna visits reduce itching with psoriasis
Going to the sauna with psoriasis? We understand well that you ask yourself this question. People who suffer from psoriasis long for relaxation just as much as others. Unfortunately, there is a lack of scientific data on this subject. It is clear that sunlight, seawater, and heat have a positive effect on the disease. In this respect, it can be assumed that there is nothing against a visit to the sauna. There are even indications that saunas are beneficial for the remission of a relapse. We tell you everything you need to know about this topic.
What positive effects are possible?
The skin disease psoriasis manifests itself, as the name suggests, through scaly eczema. It can affect individual areas or the entire body. Mostly the relapses occur in particularly stressful phases of life. The bath in the pleasant warmth decelerates and lets the stress of the week fall from you.
But the heat can do even more. The trigger for psoriasis is a malfunction of the immune system. This is also strengthened by regular sauna sessions. Thus, you cannot heal the Psoriasis, but probably alleviate. At least experience reports point to it. It is also conceivable that sauna baths can prevent psoriasis.
In addition, sweating releases salts that naturally come into contact with the skin. These salts clearly have a positive effect on health and are able to alleviate an episode. The dry, flaky areas are moistened and are easier to peel off. That is why the skin looks much smoother after the sauna bath. Studies confirm that there is no risk of the heat drying out the skin.
No limits in the choice of sauna
If you suffer from psoriasis, you may sweat to your heart’s content. It makes no difference whether you sit in the hot Finnish sauna or like it milder. It is certain that high humidity has positive effects. In this respect, you should definitely make a detour to the steam bath. Also, if possible, you should visit a sauna infusion. Here, liquid is vaporized on the sauna heater and the humidity rises sharply. If you don’t like it so hot, that’s no problem either. There are now also infusions where the temperature does not rise above 70 degrees (158 °F).
The sauna is not for everyone
However, the heat is not ideal for every patient with psoriasis. Anyone who also suffers from a cardiovascular disease or hyperthyroidism should rather avoid the heat. Psoriasis patients have an increased risk of developing these often unnoticed diseases. In this respect, you should ask your doctor for advice before visiting the sauna.
The sauna ban also applies if you suffer from very itchy or even weeping rashes. In this case, it is an inflammatory process that could even be aggravated by the heat. So in such a case, it is better to wait until the symptoms have completely subsided. Then there is nothing to be said against an extended sauna bath. You can even prevent an attack during the symptom-free period. It is then either delayed or less severe than normal.
