Infrared Sauna and Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Infrared sauna therapy is gaining attention in the wellness community as a tool for reducing inflammation and improving circulation. This page reviews what the research currently shows, how it may relate to HS, and important safety considerations for patients considering this approach.
Medical Disclaimer: This page is for educational purposes only. Infrared sauna therapy has not been approved as a treatment for HS. Always consult your dermatologist before adding any complementary therapy to your HS management plan.
Illustration: Near-infrared (NIR) and far-infrared (FIR) wavelength penetration through skin layers. AI-generated for educational purposes.
What Infrared Sauna Therapy Is
Unlike traditional saunas that heat the surrounding air to very high temperatures, infrared saunas use infrared light wavelengths to generate heat that penetrates directly into body tissue. This allows the sauna to operate at lower ambient temperatures while still producing a deep heating effect in the skin and underlying tissue.
Infrared therapy is used in physiotherapy, sports medicine, and wellness settings for conditions including muscle recovery, joint pain, and general relaxation. Research into its effects on inflammatory skin conditions, including HS, is still in early stages.
Types of Infrared Wavelengths
Near-Infrared (NIR)
Penetration: Deep tissue (3-5 cm)
Primary effect: Cellular energy, wound healing, collagen production
Mid-Infrared (MIR)
Penetration: Moderate (1-2 cm)
Primary effect: Circulation improvement, pain reduction
Far-Infrared (FIR)
Penetration: Superficial (0.1 cm)
Primary effect: Detoxification, relaxation, surface heating
Why HS Patients Are Interested
Inflammation is the central driver of HS. Patients and researchers are exploring whether therapies that modulate inflammation through non-pharmacological means could serve as complementary support alongside standard medical treatment.
Infrared sauna therapy may theoretically influence several biological pathways relevant to HS:
Reducing systemic inflammatory cytokine levels
Improving microcirculation in affected skin areas
Activating heat shock proteins that regulate immune response
Promoting lymphatic drainage to reduce swelling
Supporting wound healing through increased cellular energy (ATP) production
These mechanisms are theoretical or based on general inflammation research. None have been confirmed in large, HS-specific clinical trials. The biological plausibility is present, but clinical proof for HS specifically remains limited.
Illustration: Cellular effects of infrared heat on inflamed tissue - reduced cytokine activity, improved microcirculation, and activated heat shock proteins. AI-generated for educational purposes.
Types of Saunas and HS Considerations
Not all saunas are the same. For HS patients, the type of sauna and its operating temperature can make a significant difference in tolerability and potential benefit.
Traditional Finnish Sauna
160-200 degrees F
High (steam)
No
High heat and steam may irritate active HS lesions
Far-Infrared Sauna (FIR)
120-140 degrees F
Low (dry)
Yes - FIR
Lower temperature may be better tolerated by HS patients
Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna
120-150 degrees F
Low (dry)
Yes - NIR + MIR + FIR
Most research-supported type; combines all wavelengths
Current Evidence
Research on infrared sauna therapy for HS specifically is currently very limited. Most available evidence comes from studies on other inflammatory conditions, general wellness research, and anecdotal patient reports.
Supportive Findings (General)
- FIR sauna reduces inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6) in cardiovascular studies
- NIR wavelengths shown to support wound healing in clinical settings
- Heat shock protein activation may modulate immune dysregulation
- Improved microcirculation documented in rheumatology research
Limitations for HS
- No randomized controlled trials specifically for HS
- Heat may aggravate active flares in some patients
- No established protocol or dosing guidelines for HS
- Not listed in any current HS clinical treatment guidelines
Evidence Level: Infrared sauna should be considered a complementary wellness approach with theoretical biological plausibility for HS, but without sufficient clinical evidence to recommend it as a treatment. Patient responses vary widely, and individual monitoring is essential.
Illustration: Safe infrared sauna use guidelines for HS patients. AI-generated for educational purposes.
Safety Considerations for HS Patients
If you are considering infrared sauna as a complementary wellness practice, the following safety guidelines are important to review with your healthcare provider.
Start with short sessions
Begin with 10-15 minutes and gradually increase to 20-30 minutes as tolerated.
Hydrate thoroughly
Drink 16-20 oz of water before and after each session. Replenish electrolytes.
Use moderate temperatures
Stay within 120-140 degrees F (49-60 degrees C). Avoid excessive heat that may worsen inflammation.
Avoid active lesions
Do not apply heat directly to open wounds, draining lesions, or actively inflamed areas.
Consult your dermatologist
Discuss infrared sauna use with your HS care team before starting, especially if on biologics.
When to Avoid Infrared Sauna
Open, actively draining HS lesions
Recent surgical wounds or post-operative recovery
Pregnancy
Cardiovascular conditions (consult cardiologist first)
Medications that impair heat tolerance
Uncontrolled hypertension
Frequently Asked Questions
Can infrared sauna make HS worse?
Heat can potentially aggravate active HS flares in some patients. It is important to avoid applying infrared heat directly to open or draining lesions. Some patients report improved comfort during remission periods, while others find any heat worsens their symptoms. Individual responses vary significantly.
How is infrared sauna different from a regular sauna for HS?
Infrared saunas operate at lower temperatures (120-140 degrees F) compared to traditional saunas (160-200 degrees F) and use radiant heat that penetrates tissue directly rather than heating the surrounding air. The lower temperature may be better tolerated by HS patients, though neither type has been rigorously studied specifically for HS.
How often should someone with HS use an infrared sauna?
There is no established protocol for HS. General wellness recommendations suggest 2-4 sessions per week for healthy individuals. For HS patients, starting with once weekly and monitoring skin response is a more cautious approach. Always follow guidance from your dermatologist.
Is there any clinical research on infrared sauna and HS?
Dedicated clinical trials examining infrared sauna specifically for HS are currently very limited. Most available evidence comes from general inflammatory condition research and anecdotal patient reports. More rigorous HS-specific studies are needed before any definitive recommendations can be made.
Can infrared sauna replace medical HS treatment?
No. Infrared sauna is at best a complementary wellness approach and should never replace evidence-based HS treatments such as antibiotics, biologics, or surgical intervention. Any complementary therapy should be discussed with and approved by your dermatologist.
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