Can Cryotherapy Help with Skin Disorders Like Psoriasis or Eczema?

For people who do not suffer from them, skin disorders like psoriasis and eczema seem like they would be annoying. However, the reality is that the conditions can be painful, uncomfortable, and itchy. They can also cause embarrassment, causing sufferers to cover up their bodies. No wonder people are interested in finding out different ways to help treat these skin conditions. 

First, while eczema and psoriasis are the two best-known skin conditions, they are not the same thing. Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, refers to several different conditions that can cause skin to become discolored, inflamed, and itchy. It can result in scaly patches, blisters, and skin infections. Psoriasis is a skin condition that often has a scaly rash. It is believed to be the result of an autoimmune disorder which causes skin cells to multiply rapidly, creating the scaly appearance. 

One of the big differences between the two conditions is the cause. Eczema is often a reaction to irritants. You can think of it as an allergic reaction. So, some people can treat their eczema by changing soaps or avoiding certain fabrics. However, not all cases of eczema disappear so easily. Psoriasis symptoms may be exacerbated by triggers, but the disease is autoimmune in nature. 

While they have different causes, both skin conditions respond positively to cryotherapy. Cryotherapy helps boost your immune system. It also reduces inflammation and pain. Reducing inflammation can help reduce the itchiness and discomfort associated with these skin diseases. Local cryotherapy can help treat psoriasis plaques. Whole body cryotherapy can help treat whole body symptoms. 

The results for psoriasis patients are extremely promising. In one study, 72% of patients had their psoriasis plaques clear after a cryotherapy treatment. The results were temporary, lasting weeks or months, but they were significant. 

Will cryotherapy cure your skin condition? No.  Psoriasis and eczema are both chronic diseases without a cure. However, will cryotherapy help treat the symptoms of your skin condition? For many people the answer is yes. Like other treatments for skin conditions, cryotherapy does not help every person. However, it does provide substantial relief for many people with eczema or psoriasis. As long as you are healthy enough to have cryotherapy, the risk of side effects is low. Therefore, it is something that we recommend people try as part of their skin condition management protocol.