From the Guidelines
Infrared therapy should be used with caution for skin healing and rejuvenation, as the current evidence is limited and at high risk of bias, with most studies reporting apparent benefits but lacking robustness in their results. When considering infrared therapy for skin healing and rejuvenation, it is essential to weigh the potential benefits against the limitations of the current evidence.
- The study by 1 reported that noncontact normothermic therapy using infrared radiation resulted in greater percentage ulcer area reduction compared to saline-moistened gauze control, but this result must be treated with caution due to the high risk of bias.
- Other studies using infrared radiation or related therapies, such as pulsed radiofrequency treatment, also reported apparent benefits, but their results were compromised by methodological and statistical errors, making it difficult to ascertain the robustness of the findings. Given the limited and equivocal evidence, it is crucial to approach infrared therapy with caution and consider individual patient factors, such as photosensitivity disorders or active skin cancers, before initiating treatment.
- If infrared therapy is used, it is recommended to start with shorter sessions and gradually increase duration to avoid potential side effects like temporary redness or warmth.
- Maintaining a distance of 6-12 inches between the device and skin, and continuing treatment for at least 4-6 weeks, may also be beneficial, but these parameters are not strongly supported by the current evidence. Ultimately, the decision to use infrared therapy for skin healing and rejuvenation should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the individual patient's needs and the limitations of the current evidence, as reported in studies such as 1.
From the Research
Infrared Therapy Policy for Skin Healing and Rejuvenation
The policy for infrared therapy in skin healing and rejuvenation should be based on the available evidence from clinical studies.
- The use of low-level light therapy (LLLT) has been shown to be effective in promoting skin rejuvenation, treating acne vulgaris and alopecia, and enhancing wound healing 2, 3, 4.
- The most effective wavelengths for infrared therapy appear to be in the red and near-infrared range, with 635 nm and 810 nm being the most commonly studied and effective wavelengths 3, 5.
- The mechanism of action of infrared therapy is thought to involve the absorption of light energy by mitochondrial chromophores, leading to increased ATP production, cell signaling, and growth factor synthesis, as well as reduced oxidative stress 2, 4.
- While the evidence suggests that infrared therapy can be a safe and effective treatment for skin healing and rejuvenation, further studies are needed to fully understand its effects and to optimize treatment parameters 2, 6.
- The policy should take into account the need for well-designed, adequately powered, independent clinical trials to establish the therapeutic utility of infrared therapy and to address the methodologic flaws and industry funding that have limited the quality of evidence to date 2.
Key Considerations
- The policy should consider the different wavelengths and treatment parameters that have been studied, and should provide guidance on the most effective and safe approaches to infrared therapy.
- The policy should also address the potential risks and side effects of infrared therapy, although the available evidence suggests that it is generally well-tolerated and safe 2, 4.
- The policy should be based on a thorough review of the available evidence, including the studies cited above, and should be updated as new evidence becomes available.
- The use of infrared therapy should be considered as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, and should be used in conjunction with other established treatments for skin healing and rejuvenation as needed.