Friday, March 22, 2024

Red Light Therapy For Herpes

What Does It Treat

Red Light Therapy Benefits – Does it Really Work?

Researchers have known about red light therapy for a while. But there arenât a lot of studies on it, and they donât know if itâs better than other types of treatment used to help you heal. Red light therapy may help with:

  • Dementia. In one small study, people with dementia who got regular near-infrared light therapy on their heads and through their noses for 12 weeks had better memories, slept better, and were angry less often.
  • Dental pain. In another small study, people with temporomandibular dysfunction syndrome had less pain, clicking, and jaw tenderness after red light therapy.
  • Hair loss. One study found that men and women with androgenetic alopecia who used an at-home RLT device for 24 weeks grew thicker hair. People in the study who used a fake RLT device didnât get the same results.
  • Osteoarthritis. One study found red and infrared light therapy cut osteoarthritis-related pain by more than 50%.
  • Tendinitis. A very small study of 7 people suggests RLT lessens inflammation and pain in people with Achilles tendinitis.
  • Wrinkles and other signs of skin aging and skin damage. Research shows RLT may smooth your skin and help with wrinkles. RLT also helps with acne scars, burns, and signs of UV sun damage.

Cold Sore Treatment Options

There is no cure for herpes, but there are cold sore treatments that can help prevent and control a persons HSV-1 symptoms. So how to get rid of cold sores? For most people, over-the-counter medications are sufficient for finding relief from the occasional cold sore outbreak.

For some people who suffer from frequent outbreaks, treatment with a dentist or physician may be necessary. Prescription medications like Valtrex or acyclovir address the viral components of HSV-1. There is also a unique treatment option offered by aesthetic dentists, dermatologists, and physicians: laser treatment for cold sores.

When patients feel a cold sore beginning to form, they can schedule an appointment with Dr. Lazare to prevent the lesions from progressing. In existing cold sores, laser cold sore treatment can significantly cut down the standard healing time.

Read Also: What To Do For Oral Herpes

Colors And Wavelengths Used For Light Therapy

Which colors are best for light therapy benefits?

Sunshine is full-spectrum light, meaning rays of sunshine contain all wavelengths of light. Light therapy devices isolate the specific wavelengths and colors that have the most benefit for human cells.

To date, red light is the most common color used for light therapy. Near infrared light therapy is also popular, often in conjunction with red light.

Red light has wavelengths in the 620 to 750 nanometer range. This narrow band of the electromagnetic spectrum has shown great clinical results for skin, inflammation, pain, healing, and energy production, with few side effects.

Blue light therapy, using wavelengths in the 450 to 490 nanometer range, has been mostly used for acne treatments, or to brighten electronics.

Other light therapy colors, like orange, yellow, and green light, are only beginning to be studied in depth in clinical settings.

Green light therapy in the 495 to 570 nanometer range has shown early positive results related to migraines in select clinical studies.

Learn more about different colors and wavelengths of light therapy on this page.

You May Like: Can Penicillin Treat Genital Herpes

Light Therapy For Acne

Red and blue light are both used to treat acne, acne scars, and outbreaks. Devices shine visible light in red or blue wavelengths directly on the affected skin with a handheld wand or LED mask. Visible blue light kills bacteria on the skin, helping to reduce acne and heal outbreaks. Red light reduces inflammation and stimulates regrowth and healing of damaged tissues.

Light therapy has been used by dermatologists for over 20 years, and today you can find many at-home consumer light therapy devices specifically for acne. Light therapy treatments for acne are safe, with few side effects.

CurrentBody is one example of a red light mask for acne treatments. Facialist Angela Caglia sells a mask with red, blue and NIR settings. Handheld devices like ReVive Light Therapy treat acne with blue light therapy.

Genital Herpes Remedy And Light Therapy

Lights &  Lighting Red Light Therapy device for Cold Sore Herpes Canker ...

A Genital Herpes Remedy is possible, but a permanent cure is not, as the virus remains in the body forever. The HSV virus can however be controlled with an antiviral medication that can significantly reduce the pain and decrease the length of time until the sores heal. Advanced medical processes now advocate the use of Laser beams for coterising the lesions. This again is a controversial issue since the main problem is the removal of the virus from the system which even the Laser is unable to accomplish.

Various LEDs were first introduced to treat the lesions but they too were reported to be having marginal utility.

There was a time when medical practitioners also believed that the prolonged use of sunlight was useful to treat skin conditions such as Genital Herpes and Psoriasis. The use of Lasers has come from that belief. The use of sunlight is however not promoted these days.

You May Like: What Is Prescribed For Herpes

Treatment Options For Genital Herpes

Head into your doctors office, use an online pharmacy, or check your medicine cabinet for these effective genital herpes antiviral medications.

Acyclovir

Acyclovir is an antiviral medication that treats infections caused by the herpes simplex virus, including genital herpes. You might recognize Acyclovir by its brand names like Zovirax, Cymex Ultra, and Virasorb.

Its best to start taking Acyclovir as soon as you notice the first signs of an emerging outbreak. This medication stops the herpes virus from growing and spreading during an outbreak, although it cannot remove the virus from your body completely. Most people experience relief within just a few days of taking Acyclovir for genital herpes.

Valacyclovir

Valacyclovir, also known as Valtrex, is Food and Drug Administration approved to treat genital herpes. This antiviral drug interferes with the DNA replication of the herpes virus for an even longer duration of time than acyclovir. As a result, you can take Valacyclovir less frequently and still enjoy consistent results.

NSAIDS For Pain Relief

Genital herpes outbreaks can cause days or even weeks of discomfort. Fortunately, you probably already have pain relief options sitting in your medicine cabinet. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen are all formulated to reduce the inflammation that causes so much pain during outbreaks.

How Does Red Light Therapy Help Herpes Zoster

Its important to understand what causes the painful symptoms of shingles in the first place.

One of the main causes of this pain and discomfort is inflammation, swelling and redness of the nerve endings that triggers the pain sensation.

Inflammation is essentially your bodys defense mechanism against the infection. It works by protecting the area under attack and killing off the bacteria or virus which causes the irritation.

However, this inflammation can be quite painful and can limit your mobility while you recover. This is where red light therapy comes in!

We went into this in more detail in our Red Light Therapy For Pain Relief: What You Need To Know blog but essentially, red light therapy works by stimulating the skins natural healing processes to combat inflammation and speed up the healing process.

But thats just the tip of the iceberg!

You see, red light therapy treatment for acute herpes zoster not only leads to a lower pain score but faster wound healing as well!

This means that not only is the infected area healed quicker but you experience less pain and suffering as a result! In fact, the study showed that patients using red light therapy experienced 39% more pain relief compared to those who didnt use it

Pretty amazing, right?!

Especially when you consider that there are little to no risks or side effects associated with using it!

So, there you have it!

Which is even more important if suffering from something as contagious as shingles.

Don’t Miss: How Do You Know If You Ve Got Herpes

How Do Light Treatments Work

Generally, light treatments work by stimulating your cells to make energy and heal more efficiently. Light treatments have also been shown to reduce inflammation and pain associated with various skin conditions by improving blood flow to damaged tissues. Phototherapy has also been found in numerous clinical trials to increase the bodys antioxidant defenses.

What Is A Cold Sore

RED LIGHT THERAPY: What It Is, Health Benefits & My Experience!

A cold sore is a symptom of a viral infection. Herpes simplex virus type 1 is the most common cause, but herpes simplex virus type 2 can cause cold sores as well.

Cold sores are characterized by tiny blisters on and around the lips. The blisters usually appear in tightly grouped patches and scab over after they break open.

It usually takes between 2 and 3 weeks for cold sores to heal completely. Its important to note, though, that they are contagious even when the sores arent visible.

Cold sores are spread when people who have them come in close contact with others. For example, if someone has a cold sore and they kiss someone else, that person could also develop a cold sore.

Recommended Reading: L Lysine For Genital Herpes

How Often Should You Use Light Therapy For Sleep

For sleep benefits, people should incorporate light therapy into their daily routine and try to limit exposure to bright blue light. This is especially important in the hours before you go to sleep. With consistent use, light therapy users may see improvements in sleep outcomes, as demonstrated in peer-reviewed clinical trials and reviews.

You May Like: Can Herpes 1 Be Treated

Use The Luminance Red

The Luminance RED is a breakthrough cold sore treatment that harnesses powerful light technology to shorten healing time and decrease the frequency of new outbreaks.

This FDA-registered device nourishes the skin with red light, which is metabolized to accelerate the bodys healing process and strengthen its defenses against future attacks. Regular use of the Luminance RED not only shortens the healing time of active outbreaks, but it can prevent future outbreaks altogether!

The Luminance RED was designed with ideal wavelength and irradiance specifications to maximize efficiency in treating and preventing cold sore outbreaks. Thanks to the Luminance RED, light therapy has become one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent unwanted cold sore and genital herpes outbreaks.

Recommended Reading: What Are The Symptoms Of Herpes 1 And 2

How Does Genital Herpes Spread

A person who does not have genital herpes can get the virus through contact with the following:

  • Another persons genital herpes sore
  • Saliva of a person with oral herpes if they have an oral herpes infection
  • Skin near the mouth of a person with an oral herpes infection, or skin in the genital area of a person with a genital herpes infection

It is possible to spread the virus when a person is not showing symptoms or visible sores. Genital herpes does not spread from touching objects or sharing soap. It does not spread from swimming pools, bedding, or toilet seats.

What Is Light Therapy

EECOO Infrared Red Heat Light Therapeutic Therapy Lamp Pain Relief Skin ...

Light therapy, also referred to as phototherapy or low-level laser therapy , is a medical treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to produce desired responses within the body. One of the most common types of phototherapy is red light therapy, which specifically involves the use of red and near-infrared light wavelengths.

Treatments can take place in clinical settings or with devices developed for home use. Home-use devices usually use light-emitting diodes to produce the therapeutic light.

Also Check: Does Amoxicillin Help Herpes Outbreak

The Day Of Your Treatment

  • On the day of your treatment, dont apply creams, lotions, or makeup on the area being treated.
  • Dont shave the area being treated the day of your treatment.
  • If you have a history of herpes, take your Valtrex® prescription before your treatment, as instructed by your healthcare provider.
  • Bring something to protect the treatment area from the weather.
  • If the treatment area is on your face, bring a wide-brimmed hat or umbrella.
  • If it isnt on your face, wear clothing that covers the area.
  • Your care team will tell you how long to plan to be at your appointment.
  • Read Also: What Medication Is Used For Herpes

    Treatments For Genital Herpes

    There is no cure for genital herpes or HSV-2. Many people use creams, medications, home remedies, and light therapy to lessen pain and manage outbreaks. Those with less severe outbreaks often choose to let the blisters heal on their own and go away. Light therapy is showing early success limiting pain and reducing viral load in initial peer-reviewed clinical research, summarized below.

    Also Check: How Do You Get Rid Of Herpes Forever

    What Is Red Light Therapy And How Does It Work

    Red light therapy uses a specific natural wavelength of light for therapeutic benefits, both medical and cosmetic. It is a combination of light-emitting diode that emits infrared light and heat.

    Dermatologist Lindsey Zubritsky, MD, explains that there is a spectrumranging from ultraviolet rays and infrared to visible lightwhen it comes to wavelengths of light . Red light therapy utilizes low wavelengths of red light as a treatment because, at this specific wavelength, it is considered bio-active in humans cells and can directly and specifically affect and improve cellular function.

    Red light can penetrate our top layer of skin and into the deep levels of skin called the dermis. This is where our collagen, elastin, and other essential proteins reside. Red light photons are absorbed by our cells and converted to energy. This energy produced can then stimulate the production of collagen, elastin, and adenosine triphosphate , which creates more energy for your cells to use. It increases oxygenation to your skin and improves circulation while also repairing damaged tissue this leads to improved skin texture from increased collagen production and oxygenation. Red light also has the unique ability to decrease inflammation and bacteria, and even treat pre-cancerous lesions says Zubritsky.

    Are Devices Purchased For At

    Mindful Monday: Red light therapy

    Youll find many red light therapy products if you search on the internet. While these products are generally safe to use, they may use a lower wavelength frequency than devices that may be used by dermatologists or other trained skin professionals. You may not get the results you hope for.

    If you do choose to purchase a red light therapy device, make sure to shield your eyes for protection, follow all directions and take good care of the device.

    In addition to medical office-based use and at-home use with a purchased device, you may see RLT being promoted at beauty spas and salons, saunas, tanning salons, gyms and wellness centers. Be cautious of who is supplying and where you are receiving treatment. Its always best to check in with a medical professional about the best options to treat your skin condition or issue.

    Recommended Reading: Is Herpes 1 And 2 The Same

    Why Isnt There A Cure For Herpes Already

    No company has managed to successfully develop a commercially ready herpes vaccine, however, several HSV vaccines have undergone phase I and II trials. Until recently, at least three pharmaceutical companies were overseeing clinical trials for herpes vaccine candidates. All three companies recently abandoned their research after failing to meet their primary endpoints.

    How does herpes continue to hoodwink experienced researchers and scientists, when other devastating diseases like the measles, mumps, hepatitis B, and whooping cough have been nearly eliminated?

    It all comes down to the unique behavior of the herpes simplex virus.

    Herpes is a complex virus that knows exactly how to evade the immune systems grasp. It lies dormant in nerve cells for months or years at a time, then emerges without any warning to reactivate the infection. In this way, herpes behaves like a cancer that lurks in the body undetected until the damage is already done.

    To make matters worse, as long as just a minuscule amount of infection remains after an outbreak fades, herpes can easily survive and reappear in future outbreaks.

    Pharmaceutical companies are eager to uncover a cure for herpes, but they must first overcome an extremely long and expensive research process.

    Can I Treat Genital Herpes With Light Therapy

    Yes, light treatments are used against genital herpes outbreaks to relieve pain and improve healing times. One example of a home-use light therapy device for cold sores is the Luminance RED Genital Treatment Device. Early clinical research has also indicated light treatments may lessen the viral load of HSV-2 present in the body.

    Centers for Disease Control. Genital Herpes CDC Fact Sheet.

    Cleveland Clinic. Genital Herpes .

    Healthline. Genital Herpes.

    WebMD. Potential Herpes Triggers.

    WebMD. Treatment Options for Managing Genital Herpes. Waked, Deghidi, and Shalaan. HONEY PHONOPHORESIS VERSUS LOW INTENSITY LASER THERAPY IN FEMALE GENITAL HERPES. IJCRR, Vol. 6, Issue 10. May 2014.

    Tags

    Don’t Miss: How To Make Oral Herpes Go Away Faster

    Light Therapy For Sleeping Better And Regulating Circadian Rhythm

    The body and brain rely on cues from natural light to regulate circadian rhythm and produce sleep hormones like melatonin.

    Many people struggle to sleep because they dont get enough natural light during the day and overload their eyes and brains with bright artificial blue light from screens at night. This throws off hormone production and the sleep cycle, and can lead to sleep disorders like insomnia.

    Clinical research is showing that exposure to red light therapy can improve sleep quality and duration, and help people produce more of their own melatonin.

    Red light has a much lower color temperature than blue light or sunlight, so its a good choice for winding down in the evenings and transitioning into restful sleep. Research has also shown that red light doesnt upset your sleep cycle like bright blue light can.

    Joovv is an example of a red and NIR light therapy brand that makes full-body devices with sleep settings designed to shine less intense red light for evening use.

    Popular Articles
    Related news