Abstract
Aim
Low-level light therapy (LLLT) may offer an adjunctive therapeutic tool for inflammatory skin conditions. This pilot study assessed the efficacy of a red/near-infrared (NIR)-emitting fabric for psoriasis, polymorphous light eruption (PMLE), and alopecia areata (AA).
Methods
Fourteen patients (five with psoriasis, five with PMLE, and four with AA) were instructed to wear a red/NIR-emitting (Lumiton®) garment during the 12-week study. Efficacy was assessed subjectively by patient-reported improvement and objectively by the redness, thickness, and scale of elbow psoriasis plaques, the frequency of PMLE flares, and the Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score.
Results
Three patients with psoriasis completed the study while two self-discontinued. The three patients who completed the study noted improvement and two had improvements in lesion redness, thickness, or scale, while one was clinically stable. Three patients with PMLE completed the study, and none had a disease flare during the study period. Three patients with AA completed the study: two reported disease improvement and all three had an improved SALT score.
Conclusion
Use of a wellness apparel that emits red and NIR light may be associated with improved disease severity in patients with mild elbow psoriasis, PMLE, and limited AA. Limitations of this study include continuation on topical, intralesional, or systemic medications and small sample size.
Ethical statement
Informed consent for the study and publication of photographs was obtained from all subjects.
Disclosures
Feldman has received research, speaking and/or consulting support from AbbVie, Accordant, Almirall, Alvotech, Amgen, Arcutis, Arena, Argenx, Biocon, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Dermavant, Eli Lilly and Company, Eurofins, Forte, Galderma, Helsinn, Janssen, Leo Pharma, Micreos, Mylan, Novartis, Ono, Ortho Dermatology, Pfizer, Regeneron, Samsung, Sanofi, Sun Pharma, UCB, Verrica, Voluntis, and vTv Therapeutics. He is founder and part owner of Causa Research and holds stock in Sensal Health.