Photosensitivity — sensitivity to sun exposure or ultraviolet (UV) light — is common in people with lupus. However, infrared light and infrared saunas may benefit some lupus symptoms, though research on this topic is limited. If you’re interested in trying an infrared sauna for your lupus symptoms, it’s important to talk to your rheumatologist first.

“I’ve noticed that I have less flare-ups when I’m in a warm environment and indirect sun throughout the day. I can’t be in direct sunlight, and I get no sun during the winter. I’ve read about infrared saunas to warm up the body (I’m always cold). Has anyone else tried it?” asked one MyLupusTeam member.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can affect many parts of the body due to the immune system attacking healthy tissue. Many people with lupus struggle with disease symptoms that can be hard to control. Some people may find that infrared saunas — as a complementary therapy alongside standard medical care — may help relieve joint pain or other symptoms of lupus, but spending time in a sauna may not be appropriate for everyone.

“I tried the infrared sauna for three days. The swelling in my hand has gone down, and I can feel the blood flowing in my hands and feet for hours after the treatment. I have noticed that when the heat is high, it can be hard on my body. Since you can regulate the temperature, I don’t plan on going higher than 130 degrees. I found the infrared light doesn’t need to be high to work. It’s different for everyone, so don’t think this is an endorsement for others to try it,” a MyLupusTeam member wrote.

Traditional Saunas vs. Infrared Saunas: What’s the Difference?

A typical sauna is a heated room — usually between 150 and 195 degrees Fahrenheit, though it could be cooler or hotter. Saunas can be heated with steam or with dry heat. These types of saunas cause a rise in skin temperature and core body temperature, as well as elevated heart rate and increased sweating.

Spending time in a traditional sauna — sometimes called sauna bathing — has been linked to overall health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health and decreased stress levels. Some small studies have found that it’s associated with decreased chronic pain and joint pain from autoimmune conditions such as:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the most common type of lupus

But for some people with lupus, a traditional sauna may be problematic due to heat intolerance and skin sensitivity that can come with the condition. Spending time in a sauna can also affect blood pressure. Some people experience an increase and others a decrease while in the sauna.

Infrared Saunas

An infrared sauna works differently from a traditional sauna. Rather than heating the body from the outside, an infrared sauna uses lamps that emit infrared light, which penetrates the skin and heats the body from the inside. Infrared saunas are usually about 110 F to 135 F — significantly cooler than regular saunas. They may be more comfortable for people with lupus who experience heat sensitivity or have particularly sensitive skin.

Researchers have found that infrared sauna therapy offers similar health benefits to regular saunas. The benefits of infrared saunas include:

• Better heart health
• Pain relief and soothing of muscle soreness
• Improved immune function
• Relaxation and improved sleep

“I tried one of those infrared saunas yesterday and didn’t want to come out. It felt so good on the joint pain,” a MyLupusTeam member wrote.

However, various sensitivities that are associated with lupus may impact how your body reacts to infrared heat. Another member shared their experience. “If I’m in the sauna and then have to spend any time outside in the cold, even if it’s hours later, it causes my body to react more strongly to the cold, and I end up in extreme pain,” they wrote. “If you can completely avoid letting your body touch the cold when you leave the sauna (for the rest of the day), it feels fantastic and I definitely recommend it. I get joint pain from the cold, but if you don’t, disregard this :).”

Another way to reap the benefits of infrared light therapy is through wearing infrared fabric. This type of fabric is made with nanoparticles (very tiny particles) of ceramic. It absorbs heat from sunlight or the wearer’s body, then releases the heat into the body.

Infrared Light and Photosensitivity

Infrared saunas use a type of light called far-infrared light, which isn’t actually visible light but rather a type of thermal light that emits heat. It can be felt as a mild radiant heat that can penetrate the skin up to 1.5 inches and warm the body. Lamps that emit pure far-infrared light are expensive. Some consumer products and commercial saunas may use light sources that have mixed types of light.

Between 40 percent and 70 percent of people with lupus have photosensitivity. Rashes from UV light can trigger lupus flare-ups. Fluorescent and halogen light bulbs also emit ultraviolet light and can cause skin reactions in people with Lupus. Even regular high-wattage incandescent light bulbs may cause rashes in some people with lupus.

Sauna Side Effects

Although saunas are generally considered safe, some people may experience unwanted side effects such as:

• Low blood pressure and dizziness
• Excessive urination
• Unexpected weight loss

The warmer the sauna and the longer the sauna session, the more likely you are to experience side effects. Your doctor can advise you on how long you should stay in an infrared sauna. Generally, an infrared sauna session should be less than 30 minutes, and you should limit sessions to three or four times per week.

Far-infrared light is believed to be safe for people with lupus, but some people may have unwanted reactions. If you are interested in trying an infrared sauna, be sure to talk to your doctor about facilities that provide medical-grade far-infrared saunas. If you have a bad reaction to an infrared sauna, it’s important to let your doctor know.

One MyLupusTeam member wrote about their experience. “I used to love it. The warm feeling was great ... until last time. My back has turned into this red spotted place which aches and itches and is so dry, the skin is scaly. So I will be careful before going into an infrared sauna next time. Just try, but not too much.”

What the Research Says About Infrared Saunas and Lupus

Research is limited on the impact of infrared light on autoimmune diseases such as lupus and is largely inconclusive. However, some research indicates that near-infrared light, which is administered by lasers, may help repair cells and appears to have anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers have suggested that near-infrared light may be effective for decreasing pain in inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.

While some research is promising, health experts haven’t established clinical protocols for infrared saunas and lupus, and research remains inconclusive.

Talk to Your Doctor About Infrared Therapy for Lupus

Seek medical advice from your doctor before trying infrared therapy for your lupus. Although assorted infrared lamps, heating pads, and clothing are sold commercially, it’s important to verify the quality of a product before buying it. Many infrared sauna facilities and vendors of infrared products may make claims that infrared heat can aid in detoxification, weight loss, improved metabolism, or other benefits that have not been rigorously proved scientifically.

Your rheumatologist can advise you on infrared treatments that may be appropriate for your particular condition. Infrared saunas are not a substitute for your medical care, but they may help improve your quality of life and sense of well-being, along with your treatment plan.

“Today for the first time in a long time I feel great. I have been using the infrared sauna, and I believe it’s helping,” wrote a MyLupusTeam member.

Find Your Team

MyLupusTeam is the social network for people with lupus and their loved ones. On MyLupusTeam, more than 223,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with lupus.

Have you tried an infrared sauna? How has it affected your lupus symptoms? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.