Wound healing is a complex process that can be hindered by various factors such as diabetes, obesity, hypoxia, and infections. Traditional treatments often fall short, leading to prolonged recovery times and increased risk of complications.
Light therapy, using LED and laser light sources, has emerged as a promising technique to accelerate wound healing. This is especially true for severe wounds such as burns, surgical wounds, and chronic non-healing wounds, which are difficult to treat with conventional methods.
Unlike negative pressure wound therapy, which can be invasive and induce inflammation, light therapy is minimally invasive and often provides quicker healing times. Additionally, light therapy can be more eco-friendly, using reusable devices and reducing the need for disposable materials.
How It Works
Studies have shown that light therapy can significantly reduce pain, accelerate healing times, minimize scarring, and reduce inflammation. It employs different wavelengths of light, each interacting with the body in unique ways to promote healing.
Wavelength and Spectrum
Various wavelengths of light play distinct roles in the wound-healing process, each interacting with tissues and cells in unique ways.
Violet and Blue light (380–500nm) are primarily known for their potent antibacterial properties, which can sterilize wounds without hindering the healing process. By targeting bacterial cell walls and disrupting their structure, blue light therapy can help prevent infections that commonly impede wound healing. These wavelengths can penetrate the skin to reach superficial wounds and are often used to treat infected, non-healing wounds.⁸
Red (620–750nm) and Near-Infrared (750–950nm) wavelengths penetrate deeper into the tissue compared to violet and blue light. These wavelengths are highly effective at encouraging tissue repair and regeneration by interacting with chromophores like cytochrome c oxidase in mitochondria. This interaction enhances cellular respiration and energy production, which accelerates the healing process.
Red and near-infrared light also stimulate collagen production, reduce inflammation, and improve blood circulation to affected areas. These benefits make red and near-infrared light therapy ideal for treating deeper tissue wounds, such as ulcers and burns, where enhanced tissue repair and reduced inflammation are crucial for recovery.⁴
Source: Wavelength-Dependent Effects of PBM for Wound Care in Diabetic Wounds (International Journal of Molecular Sciences; 2023)
Intensity and Exposure
The intensity and exposure duration of light therapy are critical factors in determining its effectiveness for wound healing. Patients typically undergo 6 to 12 sessions, with each session lasting from a few minutes to 30 minutes, depending on the severity and type of wound.
The optimal energy density for effective treatment is dependent on the depth of the wound and the wavelengths utilized. Studies have shown that there is a minimum energy density levels in the range from 5.0 – 40 J/cm². Treatment effectiveness is dependent on both the energy density and the treatment duration. It is critical to optimize these factors to stimulate cellular activity and promote healing without causing damage. Treatments with energy densities above 50 J/cm² can be less effective or even harmful, potentially leading to cell damage or death.
Studies have shown that using blue and near UV light inhibits bacterial growth and can be used initially to minimize the bacterial load. Treatment can be followed with red light to enhance tissue repair and closure. The specific treatment protocol can also vary depending on the type of wound and the patient’s overall health.
For instance, chronic wounds with a high bacterial load might benefit from more frequent blue light sessions to inhibit bacterial growth. The exposure time and fluence levels for this to work would need to be very high and prepare the wound for subsequent healing phases. On the other hand, red and near-infrared light therapy might be more beneficial during the later stages of wound healing, focusing on reducing inflammation and promoting tissue regeneration.
Innovative Combinations
Modern light therapy treatments integrate certain wavelengths with other features to optimize healing outcomes.
For instance, hydrofiber silver integrates soft non-woven fibers with ionic silver, providing antimicrobial properties while maintaining a moist wound environment. When used in tandem with blue light therapy, hydrofiber silver dressings can effectively reduce bacterial load, leveraging the antimicrobial action of both the light and the silver ions. This dual approach ensures a sterile environment conducive to faster healing.
Another example is hydrogel, a gel-based solution designed for optimal wound healing. Red and near-infrared light therapy can be used with hydrogel to enhance collagen production and tissue repair.
The hydrogel keeps the wound moist and provides a cooling effect, accelerating the healing process and minimizing scarring when combined with light therapy.⁵
Current Devices on the Market
Patient comfort is a top priority in the design of light therapy devices. Many of these devices are ergonomically designed to ensure they can be used comfortably over the treatment area. Adjustable intensity settings allow for customization based on the patient's pain threshold and specific wound requirements, reducing the risk of discomfort during therapy.
Moreover, sessions can be brief, which minimizes disruption to the patient’s daily routine. The non-invasive nature of light therapy, coupled with the thoughtful design of these devices, enables a pleasant treatment experience, encouraging consistent use and adherence to prescribed therapy regimens.
Several devices are currently available for wound healing using light therapy:
- One such device uses red light to accelerate wound healing by promoting increased blood flow and collagen production. It is portable and user-friendly, making it ideal for both clinical and home use.
- Designed for professional use, a medical-grade red light therapy pad has been created to deliver concentrated red light therapy to larger wound areas, enhancing cellular repair and reducing inflammation.
- A Photobiomodulation device has been developed to offer both red and near-infrared light therapy, providing comprehensive treatment for various wound types. It can be adjusted to cater to different treatment needs.
- Combining electrotherapy with light therapy, there is a system that offers a multifaceted approach to wound healing, particularly effective for chronic and difficult-to-heal wounds.
- Another product on the market is an advanced laser system that provides targeted light therapy for wound healing, reducing pain, and accelerating tissue repair. It’s suitable for clinical settings, offering precise and effective treatment options.
Embracing the Future of Wound Care
Advancements in light therapy enable an important step forward in wound care. This innovative approach offers a minimally-invasive and effective treatment option, and also aligns with eco-friendly practices by reducing the need for disposable materials.
As technology and research continue to progress, the potential of light therapy is likely to expand, offering more refined and effective treatments. Healthcare professionals have the opportunity to embrace this catalytic technology, enhancing patient care and setting a new standard in wound management.
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Resources:
- Yadav, A., Gupta, A., Keshri, G. K., & Singh, S. B. (2022). Ultraviolet C phototherapy as an adjunct wound therapy in full-thickness wound of a rat model. Injury, 53(9), 2954-2961.
- Serrage, H., Heiskanen, V., Palin, W. M., Cooper, P. R., Milward, M. R., Hadis, M., & Hamblin, M. R. (2022). Blue light therapy in the management of chronic wounds: A narrative review of its physiological basis and clinical evidence. Wounds, 34(7), 186-197.
- Mignon, C., Uzunbajakava, N. E., Castellano-Pellicena, I., Botchkareva, N. V., & Tobin, D. J. (2022). Investigating the effects of low intensity visible light on human keratinocytes using a customized LED exposure system. Scientific Reports, 12(1), 19649.
- Hamblin, M. R., & Huang, Y. Y. (2023). Wavelength-dependent effects of photobiomodulation for wound care in diabetic wounds. Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine, and Laser Surgery, 41(4), 259-270.
- Zhao, X., Wu, H., Guo, B., Dong, R., Qiu, Y., & Ma, P. X. (2022). Hydrogel combined with phototherapy in wound healing. Advanced Healthcare Materials, 11(17), 2200494.
- Chaves, M. E. D. A., Araújo, A. R. D., Piancastelli, A. C. C., & Pinotti, M. (2014). Effects of low-power light therapy on wound healing: LASER x LED. Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia, 89(4), 616-623.
- Frykberg, R. G., & Banks, J. (2015). Challenges in the treatment of chronic wounds. Advances in Wound Care, 4(9), 560-582.
- Serrage, H., Heiskanen, V., Palin, W. M., Cooper, P. R., Milward, M. R., Hadis, M., & Hamblin, M. R. (2023). Photobiomodulation with blue light on wound healing: A scoping review. Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine, and Laser Surgery, 41(3), 145-157.
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