From the Guidelines
Red light therapy is not recommended as a primary treatment for killing infections. While some preliminary research suggests that red light therapy may have antimicrobial properties, there is insufficient evidence to support its use as a reliable method for treating infections 1. The most recent and highest quality study available, published in 2019, discusses the use of light-based treatments for acne, including red light, but notes that the quality of evidence is low to support their efficacy 1.
Key Points to Consider
- Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, is primarily used for skin treatments and pain relief, working by stimulating cellular energy production and potentially reducing inflammation 1.
- Established treatments such as antibiotics for bacterial infections or antivirals for viral infections remain the standard of care for active infections.
- If considering red light therapy as a complementary approach, it's essential to discuss it with a doctor first to ensure it doesn't interfere with the primary treatment plan.
- Delaying proper medical care for infections can lead to serious complications, so always prioritize evidence-based medical interventions.
Evidence Review
The 2019 study from the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology explores various light-based treatments for acne, including the potential of red light to kill bacteria by photoexciting porphyrins produced by C. acnes 1. However, the study emphasizes the low quality of evidence supporting the efficacy of these treatments. An older study from 2002 discusses the guidelines for topical photodynamic therapy, including its application in acne treatment, but this is less relevant given the more recent evidence available 2.
Clinical Implications
In real-life clinical practice, the primary concern is always the patient's morbidity, mortality, and quality of life. Given the current state of evidence, it is crucial to prioritize established, evidence-based treatments for infections. Red light therapy may have potential as a complementary treatment, but its use should be approached with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional to avoid any potential interference with primary treatments.
From the Research
Photobiomodulation Therapy and Infection Treatment
- Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy, also known as photodynamic therapy (PDT), has been studied as a potential treatment for microbial infections 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- The use of red light in PBM therapy has been shown to be effective in killing certain types of bacteria, including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms 3, 6.
Mechanism of Action
- The mechanism of action of PBM therapy involves the use of a photosensitizer, which is activated by red light to produce reactive oxygen species that can kill microbial cells 3, 4, 5.
- The photosensitizer can be either endogenous, such as protoporphyrin IX, or exogenous, such as toluidine blue 6, 7.
Efficacy of PBM Therapy
- Studies have shown that PBM therapy can be effective in treating localized infections, such as oral candidosis, periodontitis, and chronic wounds 3, 4, 5.
- The efficacy of PBM therapy has been demonstrated in animal models, including rats and mice, and has been shown to be dependent on the intensity and duration of the red light treatment 4, 7.
- PBM therapy has also been shown to be effective in reducing the size of lesions and promoting healing in infected wounds 7.
Advantages and Limitations
- The advantages of PBM therapy include its ability to kill microbial cells regardless of antibiotic resistance, and its lack of induction of resistance 5.
- The limitations of PBM therapy include its dependence on the presence of a photosensitizer, and its potential for toxicity to host cells 5.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the potential of PBM therapy as a treatment for microbial infections and to optimize its efficacy and safety 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.