From the Guidelines
Burning is a common side effect of red light therapy, particularly when used for certain skin conditions. When considering the use of red light therapy, it's essential to understand that burning or stinging pain can occur, especially during light exposure and may continue postexposure in some cases 1. This is often restricted to the illuminated area and may be due to nerve stimulation and/or tissue damage by reactive oxygen species (ROS), possibly aggravated by hyperthermia. Some key points to consider when using red light therapy include:
- The intensity of pain can vary significantly between individuals, with approximately 20% of patients experiencing severe pain 1.
- Larger area lesions, such as those found in actinic keratosis (AK), basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and Bowen's disease (BD), are more likely to be painful to treat, especially if they cover an area of > 130 mm2 1.
- The location of the lesion, with those on the head being more painful, and the sex of the patient, with males potentially experiencing more intense pain, can also impact the level of discomfort 1. To minimize the risk of burning and ensure safe use of red light therapy, it's crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding treatment duration and distance from the skin, wear appropriate eye protection during sessions, and start with shorter sessions to assess how your skin responds.
From the Research
Red Light Therapy and Burning Sensation
- Burning is not a typical side effect of red light therapy, as most studies suggest that it is a safe and effective method for skin rejuvenation, treatment of acne vulgaris and alopecia, and body contouring 2.
- The studies available do not report burning as a common side effect of red light therapy, instead, they focus on its benefits, such as increasing collagen and elastin production, improving skin quality, and promoting wound healing 3, 4, 5.
- However, it is possible that some individuals may experience unusual reactions to red light therapy, but this is not supported by the available evidence.
Possible Explanations for Burning Sensation
- One study investigated the efficacy and safety of systemic red light therapy for burn wound repair, and found that it was effective in promoting wound healing and pain relief, without reporting any burning sensation as a side effect 5.
- Another study examined the influence of aloe vera, hydrocortisone, and sterol on wound tensile strength and anti-inflammation, but did not mention red light therapy or burning sensation 6.
- The available evidence does not provide a clear explanation for the burning sensation, and more research is needed to understand the possible causes and mechanisms.
Red Light Therapy Safety and Efficacy
- Red light therapy is considered a safe and effective treatment for various skin conditions, with most studies reporting positive outcomes and minimal side effects 2, 3, 4.
- The therapy has been shown to improve skin quality, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and promote wound healing, making it a popular treatment option for skin rejuvenation and anti-aging 4.
- However, more research is needed to fully understand the effects and potential side effects of red light therapy, and to establish standardized treatment protocols 2.