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Real members of MyLupusTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Is infrared light therapy ok for lupus patients for chronic pain. Has anyone tried with good results. Not sure good for lupus

A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭

I was diagnosed with SLE Lupus in 2000
RA. 1 total knee replacement and getting another one end of August. Had my left hand and wrist partially fused and a bar in my little finger. Changed my whole way of eating to clean eating. No sweets sugar sodas and good water and herbal teas. I do think this helps how we take care of our bodies even though it doesn’t cure our condition.

August 3
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MyLupusTeam

First off, your dedication to clean eating and taking care of your body is truly inspiring — and you're absolutely right that it can make a real difference in how you feel day to day, even if it's not a cure.

Now, onto infrared light therapy! It's a great question, especially with everything your body has been through.

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First off, your dedication to clean eating and taking care of your body is truly inspiring — and you're absolutely right that it can make a real difference in how you feel day to day, even if it's not a cure.

Now, onto infrared light therapy! It's a great question, especially with everything your body has been through.

Infrared saunas run much cooler than traditional saunas (around 110–135°F), which can make them more comfortable for people with lupus who are heat or skin sensitive. Some potential benefits include:

- Relief from joint pain and muscle soreness
- Reduced inflammation
- Better circulation
- Improved relaxation and sleep Several MyLupusTeam members have shared positive experiences. One member said the swelling in their hand went down and they could feel improved circulation for hours after a session. Another said they felt great and believed it was helping overall.

However, experiences vary widely. One member developed a red, itchy, scaly rash on their back after use. Another found that going from sauna warmth to cold temperatures later triggered extreme pain. Some important cautions to keep in mind:

- There are no official recommendations for or against infrared saunas specifically for lupus
- Side effects can include dizziness, low blood pressure, and skin burns
- Sessions should generally stay under 30 minutes, starting even shorter to see how your body reacts
- Always stay well hydrated before and after
- Ask your rheumatologist about medical-grade far-infrared sauna facilities specifically

Given your upcoming knee replacement surgery in August, it's especially important to check with your surgical and rheumatology team before trying this.

August 3

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