From the Guidelines
Burning sensations during Novothor red light therapy are primarily caused by nerve stimulation and/or tissue damage by reactive oxygen species, rather than the light itself, as evidenced by studies on photodynamic therapy 1. The sensation of burning during Novothor or other red light therapy treatments can be attributed to several factors, including:
- Nerve stimulation and/or tissue damage by reactive oxygen species, as noted in a study on topical photodynamic therapy 1
- Heat buildup on the skin, although red light therapy devices emit minimal heat compared to other light therapies
- Individual sensitivity, with people having sensitive skin, certain skin conditions, or taking photosensitizing medications experiencing increased sensitivity
- Treatment parameters, such as the distance between the device and the skin, and the duration of the session
According to a study published in the British Journal of Dermatology, pain or discomfort, often described as 'burning', 'stinging' or 'prickling', is commonly experienced during photodynamic therapy, and usually occurs in the early part of light exposure, peaking within minutes, then levelling out during the remainder of exposure 1. To minimize the risk of burning sensations, it is recommended to adjust treatment parameters, such as increasing the distance between the device and the skin, shortening session duration, or consulting with a healthcare provider about individual sensitivity 1. If you experience persistent or severe burning, you should immediately stop treatment, move away from the device, and allow your skin to cool. Most people adapt to red light therapy over time as their skin becomes accustomed to the treatment.
From the Research
Burning Sensations during Novothor Red Light Therapy
- The Novothor red light therapy bed uses low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation 2.
- However, some users may experience burning sensations during or after treatment.
- The exact cause of burning sensations during Novothor red light therapy is not well understood, but it may be related to the intensity or duration of the treatment 3, 4.
- A study on the acute side effects of bright light therapy found that healthy young adults did not experience significant side effects, including burning sensations, after a single 30-minute session of bright white light 4.
- Another study on photobiomodulation, which is the process by which LLLT enhances mitochondrial ATP production, found that LLLT can be safe and effective for skin rejuvenation, acne treatment, and wound healing, but the quality of evidence is limited by methodologic flaws and industry funding 2.
Possible Factors Contributing to Burning Sensations
- The intensity of the light therapy may be too high, causing discomfort or burning sensations 3.
- The duration of the treatment may be too long, leading to overheating or burning sensations 4.
- Individual differences in skin sensitivity or tolerance to light therapy may also play a role in experiencing burning sensations 2.
- The wavelength of the light used in the Novothor red light therapy bed may also be a factor, as different wavelengths can have different effects on the skin 5.