Keloid scars often present a significant problem to many people as well as dermatologists. They have been struggling to find treatments and laser therapies that may help against keloid formation. What grabbed their attention was red light therapy. But is red light therapy good for keloid scars?
Red light therapy is a new treatment process that may greatly improve the healing capabilities of the human body. It’s been proven as an effective method to potentially increase cell activity in the body and give it a boost against inflammation and injury.
Here we’ve gathered information about the process itself and how it affects keloids and similar scar tissue. If you’re interested, continue reading.
Source: freepik.com
Is Red Light Therapy Good for Keloid Scars?
Is it good for keloid scars? Could it potentially become the new main method of dealing with them? We may say yes; however, it is not so clear.
Keloid scars keep growing because of uncontrolled and extended collagen production in the wounded area. In theory, it should be perfect for dealing with the nuisance of these uncomfortable scars.
A study done in 2015 found that administering red light to the affected area may inhibit keloid proliferation. The proof found in the study suggests that red light therapy holds very strong potential as a way to treat keloid scarring.
At the very least, it can be a great way to reduce itching and pain.
Red light’s effect on skin wounds and scars
If you’re unfamiliar with red light therapy, it’s a non-invasive and drug-free process where you use a device equipped with LEDs to deliver red light to a certain part of the body.
This light has to be concentrated, focused, and at a certain wavelength. When you radiate cells in the human body at a certain wavelength, they begin to react and produce more energy. This may lead to a larger production of oxygen and more circulation in that part. All these elements combined contribute to the body’s healing process, increasing it considerably.
Red light therapy has also been shown to potentially increase the production of collagen in the skin. This is why it has a strong clinical record in healing wounds, helping acne, cuts, and incisions, and possibly providing a fast recovery for patients with little to no scarring after the process.
Source: pervindincer.com
Red Light Therapy and Keloids
Scarring is a very serious problem for patients from all walks of life. Individuals with scars can often encounter substantial social and psychological problems.
Unfortunately, certain types of scarring can be especially noticeable because they expand after healing. These types of scars are known as hypertrophic or keloid scars.
Keloid scarring, in particular, is very problematic because the scar spreads far beyond the margins of the wound and invades the surrounding skin.
Currently, the main way to deal with these scars is UV phototherapy. However, this process may cause DNA damage associated with skin cancer.
Red light therapy and hypertrophic scars
Thick large scars, which are commonly known as hypertrophic, are also the result of increased collagen production, similar to that of keloids. The only difference is that the scar growth doesn’t exceed the boundary of the injury.
However, red light therapy in the treatment of hypertrophic scars has many more studies and could serve as a blueprint for how it may be used for keloids.
Both these types of scars are usually caused by burns. After a severe burn, a thick layer of collagen forms over the area to help the healing. However, collagen production can remain high intensity after the wounds are healed.
What does the research say?
An animal trial conducted in 2018 focused on the effects of red light on animals that had suffered burns. The group of animals showed significant anti-inflammatory effects and migration of fibroblasts (the cells that form scar tissue) away from the scar tissue in just seven days.
Another older study done in 2004 looked at 19 patients with burn scars. After treating the affected region with 670 nm red light twice a week for a period of eight weeks, the group demonstrated impressive improvements. Healing was greatly improved; out of the 19 patients, 17 showed scar improvement after treatment.
You Might Be Interested: How Much Does Red Light Therapy Cost?
Conclusion
So, is red light therapy good for keloid scars? As we mentioned in this article, there is a high chance it is. Even though there aren’t many studies done on the effects of red light on keloid scars exactly, there are many that confirm the incredible effect it has on scars in general. Also, the few studies done concerning keloid scars are very strong.
If you’re suffering from this ailment, red light therapy might be for you. The process is extremely easy to use, and even though it used to have a high price, it’s become much cheaper and more readily available. It’s very easy to go to a clinic that provides this treatment to try it a few times and then invest in a red light device if you’re satisfied.
Since the process is non-invasive and safe, there’s no risk in just trying it out a few times. It might just be the thing that helps you heal. Anyways, before you decide to try it, ensure to consult with your doctor first.
Hello! I’m Nicky Rodgers.
Almost a decade ago, I got excited about the idea of employing alternative methods like red light therapy to create a healthier life.
To learn more about it, I did my Certified Light Therapist course from Photonic Therapy Institute and started looking into the intricacies of how light therapy influences several bodily processes. Before I knew it, my interest had become an obsession which resulted in this extensive blog.
Here, I offer countless well-researched articles to help you understand the benefits and uses of light therapy. I hope this information gives you a head start in your wellness journey.