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Cryotherapy: A Cooling Solution for Eczema & TSW Relief
By Dr. Diane Angela Fong, ND and Tori Taggart, MS, CNS
Cryotherapy, a therapeutic technique that uses extreme cold temperatures, has gained popularity in recent years for its potential health benefits. Among its various applications, cryotherapy is emerging as a promising treatment option for those suffering from eczema. This chronic skin condition, characterized by inflammation, itching, and redness, can be difficult to manage with conventional treatments.
In this blog, we'll explore how cryotherapy may offer relief for eczema and TSW sufferers by reducing inflammation, soothing irritated skin, and potentially improving overall skin health. Whether you're considering cryotherapy as a new approach to your eczema management or simply curious about its effects, this guide will provide valuable insights into its benefits and what to expect from this innovative treatment.
How Does Cryotherapy Address Eczema & TSW?
In simple terms, cryotherapy is the therapeutic use of cold. This can be in the form of ice, cold water, or even extreme cold temperatures such as those found at cryotherapy facilities. Cryotherapy has been used for muscle and joint pain, arthritis, weight loss, increased energy, and has also been used for atopic dermatitis (eczema), psoriasis, and pruritus (itchiness) in general. The process cools the surface of your skin for two to four minutes, which constricts the body’s blood vessels and decreases internal inflammation.
The science behind cryotherapy's effectiveness lies in its ability to induce a systemic anti-inflammatory response. When the skin is exposed to extreme cold, blood vessels constrict, and the body enters a state of 'repair mode.' This reduces the production of inflammatory cytokines, chemicals that are often elevated in conditions like eczema and Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW), helping to alleviate symptoms such as itching, redness, burning, and swelling. Additionally, the rapid cooling triggers an increase in endorphin levels and boosts circulation, both of which can aid in healing and improve overall well-being.
In one study on patients with eczema, whole-body cryotherapy statistically and clinically improved itchiness and sleep disturbances during the 4 weeks of treatment, with the benefits continuing even weeks afterward. Importantly, during this study, whole-body cryotherapy was the sole therapy used, meaning no other topicals or interventions were involved.
Cryotherapy can be as simple as using an ice roller on affected areas, providing immediate relief from itchiness and reducing the severity of flare-ups. Alternatively, whole body cryotherapy involves exposing the entire body to extreme cold temperatures, typically in a specialized chamber. This approach induces a systemic response, triggering various physiological reactions throughout the body. As one cryotherapy facility describes it, “utilizing the power of extremely cold temperatures to trick the body into repair mode, promoting healing in various areas. Immersing the body in subzero breathable air elevates the heart rate, which, in turn, enhances circulation and oxygenation for rejuvenation. The main benefits of cryotherapy range from increased energy and better sleep to reduced anxiety and relief from pain and inflammation.”
Start With At-Home Cryotherapy
It would be recommended to try versions of cryotherapy at home first- using an ice roller , ice packs, cold showers to test how your skin responds to cold temperatures. If itchiness improves, whole body or targeted cryotherapy may be a great option for you to reduce redness and inflammation, relieve burning sensations and itchiness and aid in healing rashes related to eczema and psoriasis in general.
Whole Body & Targeted Cryotherapy For Eczema and TSW
Whole Body Cryotherapy takes place in a metal cooling chamber that encircles your whole body except for your head. You will wear gloves and thick socks to protect your fingers and toes. Liquid nitrogen cools the air in the chamber down to negative 200 degrees Fahrenheit (or colder) while you stand and count down the seconds until your time is up. At the end, you step out of the tank and get dressed and proceed with your day! The entire process is quite quick and many people report feeling energized immediately after. When it comes to the skin and itchiness, the results are also very quick and can also last quite awhile (hours to days). Whole body cryotherapy can be helpful for someone with TSW or a flare up on many parts of the body or someone with intense whole body itchiness. Check out Dr. Fong's video on Whole Body Cryotherapy:
For people who experience a flare in certain locations on the body, as opposed to all over, or for children that are too young to utilize the whole body option, there is also the option of having “spot cryotherapy” performed with a wand. This is great for individual body parts or even the face (with a cryotherapy facial). The wand releases cooled air directly to the part of the body that is affected and the practitioner will safely cool the skin down to a certain temperature over the course of a few minutes.
Both options are quick and painless and generally quite safe and can provide relief for pain, redness, and itchiness. But, it is also important to note that although some smaller studies have shown great success and improvement with cryotherapy for atopic dermatitis and itchiness, there are a small subset of people whose skin is aggravated by cold temperatures. Cryotherapy is not recommended for these people.
Benefits of Cryotherapy
In addition to helping the skin, cryotherapy has a load of additional benefits including:
Decreased Inflammation - Exposure to cold temperatures can help reduce inflammation throughout the body, which may benefit individuals with inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory skin conditions.
Enhanced Metabolism - Some studies suggest that cryotherapy sessions may boost metabolism, leading to increased calorie burning and potentially aiding in weight management efforts.
Skin Health - Cryotherapy may improve skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne by reducing inflammation and promoting circulation, resulting in clearer and healthier-looking skin.
Mood Enhancement - The release of endorphins during cryotherapy sessions can lead to improved mood and feelings of well-being, making it a potential adjunctive treatment for conditions like depression and anxiety.
Increased Energy Levels - Many individuals report feeling more energized and rejuvenated after cryotherapy sessions, which can contribute to improved overall vitality and productivity.
Enhanced Immune Function - Regular cryotherapy sessions may strengthen the immune system by increasing levels of white blood cells and boosting the body's ability to fight off infections and illnesses.
Stress Reduction - Cryotherapy's invigorating effects and release of endorphins can help reduce stress levels and promote relaxation, making it a popular choice for individuals seeking stress relief and relaxation.
Pain Relief - Cryotherapy can help alleviate acute and chronic pain by numbing the affected area and reducing inflammation, making it beneficial for conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and sports injuries.
Accelerated Recovery - Athletes and fitness enthusiasts often use cryotherapy to speed up recovery after intense workouts or competitions by reducing muscle soreness and enhancing overall recovery time.
Improved Athletic Performance - Cryotherapy may enhance athletic performance by facilitating faster recovery, reducing fatigue, and improving muscle function and flexibility.
While cryotherapy offers several potential benefits, it's essential to approach it with caution. Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as Raynaud's disease, should consult with a healthcare professional before undergoing cryotherapy. Moreover, proper supervision and adherence to safety protocols are crucial to minimize the risk of adverse effects, such as frostbite or skin burns. Learn about possible contraindications for cryotherapy here.
Many of our clients at Cleanbody have found cryotherapy a useful tool to have in their toolbelt to combat itchiness and inflammation of eczema, psoriasis, and/or TSW. The therapy can be done at home or in a facility several times a week to aid in symptom relief. Book a Root Cause consultation with us today to see if cryotherapy may benefit you while working on the root cause of your skin condition.
Remember, early detection and personalized care are essential for preventing more serious issues down the line. We’re here to support you every step of the way, empowering you to take control of your health and live your best life.
GOT QUESTIONS?
We are going live to discuss this topic on Wednesday, September 4, at 1PM PST! Watch the live or check out the replay here:
About the Authors:
Dr. Diane Angela Fong, ND, is the CEO and founder of Cleanbody, a wellness company dedicated to treating and preventing chronic disease. She is the creator of the Cleanbody Method, which follows a three-step process: Evaluate (digging into the root causes of chronic disease using lab testing and other evaluation tools), Optimize (enhancing health foundations by addressing nutrition, lifestyle, and toxic exposures), and Support (optimizing organ functions through healing protocols).
Tori Taggart, MS, CNS is a Cleanbody Nutritionist specializing in meeting people in their healthy journeys by digging into the root causes of various chronic diseases and conditions. Through the use of healthy food along with aspects of the natural world around us (sunshine, nature, clean water, stress management, relationships, etc), she helps to empower her clients to take charge of their own health and trust their bodies to thrive and heal.
References:
Klimenko T, Ahvenainen S, Karvonen S. Whole-Body Cryotherapy in Atopic Dermatitis. Arch Dermatol.2008;144(6):806–808. doi:10.1001/archderm.144.6.806
Lee EH, Lee HJ, Park KD, Lee WJ. Effect of a new cryotherapy device on an itchy sensation in patients with mild atopic dermatitis. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021 Sep;20(9):2906-2910. doi: 10.1111/jocd.13975. Epub 2021 Feb 15. PMID: 33538104.
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