Eczema (atopic dermatitis) and psoriasis affect approximately 31 million and 8 million Americans respectively. Both are inflammatory conditions with no cure — and both communities are hungry for complementary approaches alongside conventional dermatological care.
Infrared sauna has generated genuine interest in both communities. The mechanisms are plausible; the research is promising but limited. Here's the honest breakdown.
The Inflammation Connection
Both eczema and psoriasis are driven by dysregulated immune-inflammatory responses: infrared sauna for inflammation and pain
Psoriasis: Abnormally rapid skin cell turnover driven by T-cell mediated inflammation, creating the characteristic thick, scaly plaques.
Eczema (atopic dermatitis): Disrupted skin barrier function combined with a TH2-skewed immune response, creating dry, itchy, inflamed skin that is prone to secondary infection.
Infrared sauna addresses systemic inflammation through several mechanisms:
-
Reducing circulating inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α)
-
Upregulating anti-inflammatory heat shock proteins
-
Modulating autonomic nervous system tone (sympathetic excess drives inflammation)
-
Improving cortisol rhythm (chronic cortisol elevation worsens both conditions)
For conditions rooted in immune dysregulation, systemic inflammation reduction is a meaningful target.
Psoriasis: The Evidence
Traditional Sauna in Nordic Studies
Finnish and Nordic countries have the highest rates of traditional sauna use globally — and some of the lowest rates of psoriasis severity in survey data, though this is confounded by many lifestyle factors.
More directly, several small studies and case series have examined sauna use in psoriasis patients:
-
A 2019 dermatology review noted that balneotherapy (water-based heat treatments) and heat therapies broadly show benefit in psoriasis through reduced systemic inflammation and improved skin barrier recovery
-
Traditional Finnish sauna has long been used by psoriasis patients in Scandinavia as a management tool — empirically validated over generations
-
The reduction in psychological stress from regular sauna use directly benefits psoriasis, as stress is one of the most potent psoriasis triggers
The UV Consideration
Phototherapy (narrowband UVB) is one of the most effective psoriasis treatments. Near-infrared light from full-spectrum infrared saunas overlaps conceptually with phototherapy approaches — though the wavelengths don't directly replicate narrowband UVB.
Some full-spectrum sauna users with psoriasis report that the near-infrared exposure contributes to plaque improvement alongside the systemic effects. This is anecdotal and not supported by RCT data.
What Psoriasis Patients Report
Community reports from psoriasis forums and dermatology patient groups consistently identify three mechanisms that users find helpful: 1. Stress reduction (major psoriasis trigger) 2. Improved sleep (psoriasis is strongly sleep-disrupted) 3. Enhanced skin turnover — the sweating from sauna sessions may help physically shed scales in some patients
Eczema: More Nuanced
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) requires more caution than psoriasis with heat therapy.
Potential Benefits
Stress reduction: Psychological stress is a documented eczema trigger, particularly for flare initiation. The cortisol-lowering and autonomic-balancing effects of regular sauna use address this trigger.
Sleep improvement: Eczema patients have severely disrupted sleep due to nighttime itching. Improved deep sleep from sauna's thermal effect can reduce the overnight cortisol spikes that worsen itching.
Detoxification: Some functional dermatologists hypothesize that heavy metal burden and environmental toxin load contribute to atopic dermatitis. Sweat-based elimination of these compounds may reduce trigger load — though this remains incompletely studied.
Potential Concerns
Heat as a flare trigger: For many eczema patients, heat itself triggers itching and flares. The vasodilation from sauna can worsen existing inflammation and trigger the itch-scratch cycle.
Sweat as a trigger: Sweat contains compounds (histamine, various proteins) that can be irritating to eczema-affected skin. Many eczema patients specifically avoid sweating environments.
Dry heat: Infrared sauna's dry heat may reduce ambient humidity, which is already a problem for the compromised skin barrier in eczema.
Protocol Considerations by Condition
For Psoriasis
Generally well-tolerated protocol:
-
Temperature: 115–130°F
-
Duration: 15–25 minutes
-
Frequency: 4–5x per week (skin response is the guide)
-
Post-session: moisturize immediately while skin is warm (enhanced absorption)
-
Avoid: scrubbing or aggressive exfoliation during a flare
-
Monitor: plaque response over 6–8 week trial period
Important: If you are on systemic immunosuppressive therapy (biologics, methotrexate), discuss sauna use with your dermatologist. Immunosuppressed patients have different infection risk profiles.
For Eczema
Conservative trial approach:
-
Temperature: Start at 100–110°F (lowest therapeutic range)
-
Duration: 10 minutes maximum initially
-
Frequency: 2–3x per week — assess flare response for 2 weeks before increasing
-
Immediate post-session: cool shower + immediate application of prescribed emollient while skin is slightly damp
-
Avoid: sauna during active flares — wait until baseline state
-
Wear: cotton clothing into sauna to minimize direct sweat contact with skin
-
Monitor: itch scores and skin area assessment weekly
Stop if: Significant flare within 24 hours of sauna session on 2+ occasions. Heat is a trigger for a meaningful subset of eczema patients.
The Gut-Skin Axis Connection
Both eczema and psoriasis are increasingly understood as conditions with gut microbiome components. Eczema risk is strongly associated with early-life gut microbiome disruption; psoriasis patients consistently show gut dysbiosis in studies.
Infrared sauna may support the gut-skin axis through the mechanisms described in our gut health article — cortisol reduction, autonomic balance, systemic inflammation reduction. Better gut health → improved immune regulation → potentially less skin inflammatory activity.
This is a promising but incompletely studied connection.
What Your Dermatologist Will Say
Most board-certified dermatologists will not object to infrared sauna as a complementary approach alongside proven treatments (topical steroids, biologics, phototherapy). Their concerns will be:
- Don't substitute sauna for evidence-based treatments
- Monitor for flare triggers (especially for eczema)
- Maintain skin barrier protection (moisturizer protocol)
- Disclose any systemic medications that affect immune function
Come to the appointment with a clear trial protocol and a plan to track results. Data-driven patients get better dermatology care.
Peak Saunas Features for Skin Condition Management
-
Full-spectrum infrared — systemic inflammation reduction + near-infrared tissue support
-
Chromotherapy — red light (630–660nm) has some evidence for anti-inflammatory skin effects
-
Canadian hemlock — hypoallergenic wood, no chemical irritants for sensitive skin
-
Precise temperature control — 100°F starting point for conservative introduction
-
Limited lifetime warranty. Free shipping. A serious long-term investment for chronic condition management.
Explore Peak Saunas — and build your skin health protocol with care.
Consult your dermatologist before beginning sauna use for inflammatory skin conditions. Individual response varies significantly.