Does LED light promote healing?

In an age of advanced technology and innovative treatments, light therapy is emerging as a promising option for wound care. Specifically, LED light therapy is gaining attention for its ability to stimulate and accelerate the healing process. But does it really work? Let’s a look at the science behind this cutting-edge therapy and how LED light promotes the body’s natural healing abilities.

LED light healing

Source: The picture comes from the Internet

What is LED Light Therapy?

LED stands for light-emitting diode. LED light therapy involves using LEDs to deliver light energy in specific wavelengths and at low intensity to the skin and tissues. Also called photobiomodulation, This light interacts with cells in the body and can stimulate healing processes.

Unlike other light sources like fluorescent or incandescent bulbs, LEDs do not emit ultraviolet rays or infrared radiation which can damage skin. LED devices are engineered to emit light at selective wavelengths optimized for therapeutic effects.

Though the first laser therapies emerged in the 1960s, the development of LEDs allowed light therapy to become more versatile, affordable, and accessible. Now LED devices are the dominant technology and light therapy is successfully used in medical, aesthetic, sports recovery, and veterinary settings.

What Kinds of Wounds Can LED Therapy Help Heal?

Research has shown LED light therapy has beneficial effects on many different types of wounds healing when combined with standard wound care:

Acute Wounds

– Traumatic abrasions, lacerations
– Burns, including sunburn
– Post-surgical incisions

Chronic Wounds

– Diabetic foot ulcers
– Venous leg ulcers
– Pressure injuries (bedsores)
– Non-healing surgical wounds

Oral Mucositis

– Ulcers in the mouth due to chemotherapy

Dermatological Conditions

– Psoriasis
– Eczema
– Skin infections

How Does LED Light Therapy Promote Wound Healing?

When the light from the LEDs penetrates tissue, it interacts with chromophores in cells. This stimulates biological reactions that can accelerate every phase of healing:

1. Reducing Inflammation

Inflammation is a necessary first response to injury, but prolonged inflammation slows healing. LED light reduces inflammatory cells and cytokines. This helps resolve inflammation faster to transition into the proliferation phase.

2. Promoting Cell Proliferation

The proliferative phase involves rebuilding new tissue through angiogenesis (blood vessel growth), fibroplasia (connective tissue formation), and re-epithelialization (surface skin regeneration). Studies show red and infrared LED light enhances all these processes.

3. Facilitating Remodeling

Once new tissue has formed, remodeling reorganizes granulation tissue into mature tissue with proper vasculature and extracellular matrix components. LED light stimulates fibroblasts and growth factors involved in matrix remodeling.

How Does LED Light Therapy Promote Wound Healing?

Source: The picture comes from the Internet

Research Evidence for LED light therapy and Wound Healing

While light therapy has ancient roots, LED light therapy for medical use is a more recent innovation. Along with its growing popularity, scientific research continues to emerge revealing the efficacy of LEDs in wound healing. Some promising findings include:

– Research published in “Photomed Laser Surg” in 2004 showed that 632 nm red light therapy is effective in treating chronic skin wounds in diabetic patients.[1]

– Another study that same year found that 670 nm red light therapy was effect on burn scars concerning macroscopic appearance, pruritus, and pain, with no patients reporting negative effects of treatment.[2]

– A study published in J Clin Diagn Res in 2014 concluded that, based on significant evidence from clinical studies, red light therapy reduces the healing time of aphthous ulcers.[3]

– A study published in 2016 concluded that 850nm red light therapy can reduce inflammation and increase tissue formation, thereby accelerating the repair of burn wounds. And there are few risks or side effects during treatment.[4]

The accumulating evidence continues to demonstrate the healing capabilities of LED light therapy across diverse wound types. Both clinical research and practitioner experience confirm the value of incorporating LED devices into comprehensive treatment plans.

Research Evidence for LED light therapy and Wound Healing

Source: The picture comes from the Internet

What is the Best LED Light Wavelength for Wound Healing?

LED devices emit a range of wavelengths that interact with tissue differently based on their depth of light penetration. But what’s the optimal wavelength for wound treatment?

LED light panels used in light therapy contain multiple LEDs that emit light at different wavelengths. But what colors or wavelengths are most effective?

– Red light (660nm) – Red light is very healing. It seems to stimulate fibroblasts, increase ATP, modulate inflammation, and boost new capillary formation.

– Near-infrared light (800-900nm) – This wavelength range penetrates tissue deeper and also supports cell proliferation and collagen production. It may bring blood vessels and oxygen closer to the skin’s surface.

– Blue light (415nm) – Blue light has natural antibacterial properties and may help prevent infection in wounds and ulcers. However, it has less effect on actual wound healing processes.

– Green light (525nm) – Similar properties as blue light. May help reduce bacteria but less direct wound healing effects.

While single wavelengths can be beneficial, most LED therapy devices use a combination of red, near-infrared and sometimes blue/green light together. This multi-wavelength approach provides more comprehensive benefits. The red and near-infrared optimally stimulate healing, while blue/green help prevent microbial infection.

How to Use LED Light Therapy to Boost Wound Healing?

Here are some tips for effective wound healing with LED light therapy:

Clean the wound first – Remove any dressings and clean the area with saline solution. Make sure it is free of debris before applying light therapy.

– Position the light – Place the LED panel or lamp about 1-4 inches from the wound, at a 90 degree angle to the skin. If possible, use a stand to keep it steady and hands-free.

– Follow the timing guidelines – Refer to the product instructions for recommended treatment length per area and frequency. Typical session times range 5-20 minutes.

– Adjust settings as needed – Some LED devices allow you to customize wavelength, intensity and pulsing patterns. Start on default settings then adjust per your doctor’s advice.

– Cover highly sensitive wounds – Severe open wounds may benefit from a transparent semi-permeable dressing during LED therapy to protect sensitive tissues.

– Watch for warmth and tingling – Red and near infrared light are harmless, but you may feel some mild warmth or tingling during treatment. This means it’s working!

– Track your progress – Keep a wound journal to monitor size changes, pain levels and overall healing progress over the LED treatment period.

– Be patient – It can take several weeks of consistent LED light therapy to see significant improvements, especially for larger, chronic wounds. Stick with it!

Precautions With LED light Therapy

LED light therapy is very safe and well-tolerated overall, especially when appropriate dosage guidelines are followed. The risk of adverse effects is extremely low. However, the following precautions should be noted:

– Avoid shining light directly into the eyes. Wear protective goggles.
– Use lower intensities on sensitive skin or if discomfort occurs.
– Consult your doctor before use if you have a condition that is light-sensitive (e.g. lupus)
– Stop LED treatment if you are or could be pregnant. Effects on a developing fetus are unknown.
– Allow time between LED light and other photosensitizing treatments like laser therapy or certain drugs.
– Don’t use light therapy over cancerous lesions or tumors unless approved by an oncologist.
– Use judiciously together with medications that are photosensitizing, like certain antibiotics.

conclusion

overall, the enormous healing potential of LED light therapy is impossible to ignore. After learning the therapeutic mechanisms and treatment options, it’s time embrace this innovative light healing modality and let it guide your way to better wellness and recovery. To learn more or get started with LED light therapy, visit or contact to RedDot LED today.