Photosensitivity — sensitivity to sun exposure or ultraviolet (UV) light — is common in people with lupus. However, infrared light and infrared saunas may have benefits for this condition. If you’re thinking about trying an infrared sauna to help with lupus symptoms, talk with your rheumatologist first.

“I’ve noticed that I have fewer 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’m always cold, and I’ve read about infrared saunas to warm up the body. Has anyone else tried it?” asked one MyLupusTeam member.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can affect many parts of the body. In lupus, the immune system attacks healthy tissue. Many people with lupus struggle with disease symptoms that can be hard to control. Some have said that using infrared saunas as a complementary therapy with standard medical treatment helps relieve joint pain or other lupus symptoms. However, spending time in a sauna may not be safe or beneficial for everyone.

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. They also raise the heart rate and cause sweating.

Spending time in a traditional sauna, sometimes called sauna bathing, has been linked to several health benefits. These include better heart health and lower stress levels. Research suggests that people with autoimmune types of arthritis — such as rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis — may experience less pain and stiffness after sauna use.

For some people with lupus, a regular sauna can cause problems. Sensitivity to heat or light can make it uncomfortable and may even make lupus symptoms worse. 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. This penetrates the skin and heats the body from the inside. Infrared saunas are usually about 110 to 135 degrees Fahrenheit, which is significantly cooler than regular saunas. They may be more comfortable for people with lupus who experience heat sensitivity or have particularly sensitive skin.

Infrared sauna therapy provides many of the same health benefits as regular saunas. However, there’s no strong research on how infrared light specifically affects people with lupus. The general benefits of infrared saunas may include:

• Better heart health
• Pain relief and soothing of muscle soreness
• Anti-inflammation effects
• Relaxation and improved sleep

MyLupusTeam Members on Infrared Saunas

“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.

“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. But it’s different for everyone, so don’t think this is an endorsement for others to try it,” a MyLupusTeam member wrote.

However, people with lupus may be sensitive to infrared heat. Another member said, “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. 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 by wearing infrared fabric. This type of fabric is made with very tiny particles of ceramic. It takes in heat from sunlight or the person’s body and gives off warmth.

Infrared Light and Photosensitivity

Infrared saunas use a type of light called far-infrared light. It’s not visible light but a kind of heat energy called thermal light. It can be felt as a mild radiant heat that penetrates the skin up to 1.5 inches and warms 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. In some cases, rashes from UV light can trigger lupus flare-ups. Fluorescent and halogen light bulbs also give off ultraviolet light, which can trigger skin reactions in people with lupus. For those who are very sensitive, even regular high-wattage incandescent light bulbs may cause rashes.

Lupus and Infrared Sauna Research

Researchers have suggested that near-infrared light may help reduce pain for people with inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. Possible benefits include reducing inflammation, improving movement, and boosting circulation and heart health.

Unfortunately, there’s still not much research on how infrared saunas affect people with lupus. Everyone is different, so you may not have the same experience as others just because you share the same diagnosis. Since there aren’t any official recommendations for or against infrared saunas for lupus, you should base your decision on a conversation with your healthcare provider.

Sauna Side Effects

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

• Low blood pressure and dizziness
• Heart attack (especially in those already at risk)
• Dry-sauna burns

The warmer the sauna and the longer the sauna session, the more likely you are to experience side effects. Remember to drink more water to stay hydrated before and after the sauna.

Your doctor can advise you on how long you should stay in an infrared sauna. In general, an infrared sauna session should be less than 30 minutes. Limit sessions to three or four times per week. However, these recommendations may not apply to people with lupus. It’s important to err on the side of caution, starting with shorter time limits and paying attention to how your body reacts.

Is Infrared Light Safe for Lupus?

Far-infrared light is believed to be generally safe. But some people with lupus 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.”

Talk to Your Doctor

Just because you can access infrared products and saunas without a prescription doesn’t mean they’re safe or effective. 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 aren’t proven.

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

Join the Conversation

On MyLupusTeam, people share their experiences with lupus, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Have you ever tried an infrared sauna? Let others know in the comments below.