Pros And Cons Of Trying Whole-Body Cryotherapy For Eczema

Eczema can be quite debilitating. Between the itching, the red patches, and the embarrassment that these symptoms cause, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. There are an endless number of treatments you can try, but whether or not they are effective for you depends on your own unique case. If you're feeling frustrated after trying numerous creams and medications to no avail, then you may want to look into whole-body cryotherapy. This procedure involves exposing your whole body to extreme cold for a few minutes. It has been quite effective for many eczema patients, but there are pros and cons to consider before making an appointment.

Pro: Cryotherapy is only needed every couple of weeks.

Some eczema treatments take up so much time. For example, there are creams that you have to apply several times per day. The results of cryotherapy are long-lasting. You can have one session and expect your symptoms to subside for several weeks afterward. This saves you time and simplifies your daily routine.

Con: Cryotherapy can be unpleasant.

The idea of standing in a chamber that goes down to -90 degrees C doesn't exactly sound pleasant. And while most people who undergo cryotherapy conclude that it's not as bad as they imagined, it doesn't exactly feel good. You will feel cold throughout the process and probably for a little while afterward. Most people feel this is worth the relief they get, but if you absolutely hate being cold, cryotherapy may not be for you.

Pro: Your whole body gets treated at once.

Maybe you have eczema breakouts on your elbows right now, but sometimes they also pop up on your back. Or maybe they're only on your sides right now, but they've been on your neck before. Since this procedure treats your whole body at once, it not only addresses active patches of eczema but also helps protect against future breakouts in other places. 

Con: Cryotherapy is not usually covered by insurance.

Prescription creams and other eczema treatments are often covered by insurance. However, cryotherapy is often seen as an alternative remedy and is therefore often not covered by insurance. You will have to pay for the treatment out-of-pocket, which can be prohibitive if you are on a tight budget.

Whole-body cryotherapy can be an excellent treatment for eczema if you don't mind being cold and paying out-of-pocket. Talk to a practitioner at your local spa to learn more. 


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