Extended Summary
Title: Combination 830-nm and 633-nm light-emitting diode phototherapy shows promise in the treatment of recalcitrant psoriasis: preliminary findings.
Author: Glynis Ablon
Journal: Photomedicine and Laser Surgery (Feb 2010)
Background & Rationale
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that can be resistant to standard therapies. The study explores whether a non-invasive phototherapy approach — combining visible red light (633 nm) and near-infrared light (830 nm) via LED arrays — could improve outcomes in patients with recalcitrant (hard-to-treat) psoriasis.
Methods
Nine adult patients (3 men, 6 women; mean age ~34.3 years; skin types I–IV) with chronic, treatment-resistant psoriasis enlisted.
Treatment involved two sequential LED sessions: one with 830 nm near-IR (60 J/cm²) and one with 633 nm red light (126 J/cm²), each 20 minutes, delivered twice weekly with ~48 hours between sessions, for about 4-5 weeks.
Follow-up ranged from 3 to 8 months in most participants.
Key Results
All nine patients completed their LED regimens (four required one regimen, five required two).
At end of follow-up, clearance rates (i.e., improvement/resolution of psoriasis lesions) ranged from ~60% up to 100%.
Patient satisfaction was universally very high.
In this study the approach was reported to be easy to apply and well tolerated across skin types, with no significant side-effects noted.
Discussion & Considerations
The findings suggest that combining these two wavelengths (830 nm + 633 nm) may be associated with improvement in psoriasis lesions in some patients, even where other treatments had not helped.
Given the small sample size and preliminary nature, the authors emphasise the need for larger controlled double-blind studies to validate and refine treatment parameters (dose, duration, frequency).
They note that the anti-inflammatory effects of LED/phototherapy at these wavelengths are well documented in other contexts (wound healing, inflammation reduction) and this study extends potential applicability to dermatological disorders.
Conclusion
This small, preliminary study reported that LED phototherapy combining 830 nm and 633 nm wavelengths was non-invasive and well tolerated by the participants. The authors describe the results as encouraging but preliminary, and call for larger, controlled trials before firm conclusions can be drawn.
More details available from the link below:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19764893/
Note: This article summarises independent, published research for general information only. It is not a medical claim about Dermfix products and is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical condition.