Benefits of Deep Infrared Red Light Therapy: Limited Evidence for Clinical Applications
Deep infrared red light therapy has limited evidence supporting its clinical use, with most guidelines recommending against its use for specific medical conditions due to poor study design and lack of demonstrated benefit over standard care.
Current Evidence from Clinical Guidelines
Limited Support for Specific Applications
Red and near-infrared light therapy has been studied for various applications, but most clinical guidelines do not support its widespread use:
The International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) strongly recommends against using infrared radiation for diabetic foot ulcers due to poor study design and lack of demonstrated benefit 1.
For Bowen's disease (a type of skin cancer), red light is used in photodynamic therapy (PDT) with specific photosensitizing agents, but not as standalone therapy 1.
For hemorrhoids, infrared photocoagulation has shown some efficacy for first and second-degree hemorrhoids, with success rates of 67-96% in controlling bleeding 1.
Potential Mechanisms of Action
When red and near-infrared light therapy does show effects, the mechanisms appear to include:
- Stimulation of collagen and elastin production 2, 3
- Enhancement of wound healing processes 4
- Increased ATP production in cells 3
- Promotion of microcirculation 5
- Stimulation of angiogenesis through calcium influx and VEGF production 6
Specific Medical Applications with Limited Evidence
Wound Healing
- Near-infrared wavelengths (800-830 nm) followed by red wavelengths (630-680 nm) have shown some beneficial photobiomodulatory effects on impaired dermal wound healing 4.
- However, the IWGDF guidelines explicitly recommend against using infrared radiation for diabetic foot ulcers 1.
Lymphedema Treatment
- Far infrared radiation has been studied for lymphedema treatment with some positive results in decreasing limb circumference and improving quality of life 5.
- Laboratory examination showed potential decreases in fluid, fat, hyaluronan, and protein deposition 5.
Skin Rejuvenation
- Low-level red plus near-infrared light combination has been shown to stimulate collagen and elastin production in human skin in vitro 3.
- These findings suggest potential anti-aging benefits, but clinical guidelines have not endorsed this application.
Neurological Applications
- Transcranial red/near-infrared LED therapy has been studied for improving cognition in chronic traumatic brain injury patients 7.
- Preliminary studies showed improvements in executive function, verbal memory, and sleep, but larger controlled trials are needed 7.
Potential Risks and Precautions
- Pain described as "burning," "stinging," or "prickling" can occur during treatment 2
- Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation in treated areas 2
- Potential eye hazards requiring protective eyewear 2
- Caution in patients with history of skin cancer 2
Clinical Perspective
Despite some promising research findings, the current clinical guidelines do not support the routine use of deep infrared red light therapy for most medical conditions. The evidence remains limited by:
- Poor study design in many investigations
- Small sample sizes
- Lack of standardized protocols for wavelength, intensity, and duration
- Limited long-term follow-up data
Healthcare providers should be cautious about recommending this therapy until more robust evidence emerges from well-designed clinical trials.