Red Light Therapy Dangers
Red light therapy is a form of treatment that primarily aims to address acne, scarring, and excessive redness. It may also be useful in treating other conditions, including some that do not affect the skin directly. Research has been conducted that suggests it may even be able to improve cognition in patients with dementia. [1] [2]
How Does Red Light Therapy Work?
As the name suggests, red light therapy works by exposing the patient’s skin to a certain form of red light. This is achieved using a specialized lamp or laser that emits light in the correct spectrum. This red light penetrates deep into their skin and allows the mitochondria in their cells to produce more energy. This additional energy can, in theory, enhance cell function and accelerate repair. [3]
What Are The Potential Risks of Red Light Therapy?
Although red light therapy is relatively safe, it does carry some risks, and it is important for patients and practitioners to be aware of these before commencing treatment. This allows for an informed decision to be made and steps to be put in place to reduce or mitigate many of the risks.
Burns and Blisters
The development of burns and blisters on the skin is likely the most common adverse effect associated with red light therapy. Burns have been noted as a side effect both when the treatment is performed at home and when it is administered in a clinic by a medical professional. [4]
Several different factors can contribute to burns from red light devices. The most predominant of these are using the device for excessive periods of time, including unintentionally due to falling asleep during use, and failing to ensure that the device is kept clean and in good condition before use.
Patients should ensure that any at-home devices are clean and free from damage before use and always follow any usage guidelines provided by device manufacturers and medical professionals.
Eye Damage
Eye damage is another potential risk of red light therapy. The LED lights used in red light therapy devices are safer than traditional lasers, but do still have the potential to lead to eye damage. For this reason, appropriate eye protection should be worn throughout treatment. [5]
Exclusion of Other Treatment Options
Excessive enthusiasm or reliance on red light therapy may lead patients to exclude other treatment options, potentially worsening their condition. It is also possible that in some cases the use of red light therapy may be contraindicated due to medication the patient is taking or other, pre-existing conditions they are affected by.
Patients should always follow the advice of their doctor and other medical professionals, and if they are already receiving treatment they should speak with their doctor before adding red light therapy or discontinuing any medication.
Other Considerations
The red and infrared light used in red light therapy is distinct from the ultraviolet (UV) light associated with the development of skin cancers, and the patient is not exposed to ultraviolet rays during treatment. This means that there are no indications that the increased light exposure from therapy will contribute to the development or growth of cancer. Research on red light therapy and tumor growth also supports this conclusion. [6]
The Overall Safety of Red Light Therapy
Based on current research and scientific understanding of the biological processes involved, red light therapy is considered relatively safe. Side effects, where present, are typically mild, acute, and localized, and the risk of developing them can be easily mitigated to a large degree.
It’s likely that very few patients or practitioners will view the risk of adverse effects from treatment as being severe enough to avoid using the therapy in cases where it may be beneficial.
Related-topics
References
- s Society" title= [ ]
- National Library of Medicine [ Transcranial Near Infrared Light Stimulations Improve Cognition in Patients with Dementia ] July 1, 2021
- WebMD [ Red Light Therapy: What Is It? ] May 14, 2024
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services [ Infrared Therapy Devices ]
- Healthline [ What Is Red Light Therapy and How Does It Work? ]
- National Library of Medicine [ A Preliminary Study of the Safety of Red Light Phototherapy of Tissues Harboring Cancer ] September 30, 2012
Contributors
Last Modified: September 5, 2024