Red Light Therapy for Cold Sores?
HOW LIGHT CAN TREAT COLD SORES
Just 2-5 minutes of RLT each day can shorten healing time and lower your risk of future outbreaks.
Clinical data shows Red Light Therapy can actually help to stop pain, reduce future outbreaks and expedite healing. The results of three recent NIH studies on Red Light Therapy for cold sores are exciting news for anyone with this painful and embarrasing issue.
Study 1: Low-Intensity Laser Therapy Is An Effective Treatment For Recurrent Herpes Simplex Infection
Participants chosen had HSV-1 and had a at least one herpes attack per month for more than 6 months, with no known trigger (sun exposure, fever, menstruation, etc).
The results were pretty amazing. Patients who received red light treatment averaged 263 days (37.5 weeks) before their next cold sore episode Patients with no red light treatment averaged 21 days (3 weeks). That is a staggeringly significant difference for cold sore sufferers.
In simple terms, the study shows that RLT appears to strengthen the immune function against the HSV-1 virus, which prevents future outbreaks from reoccurring. Full Study link.
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Red Light Therapy Lip Light w/ SorNoMor Infrared Wavelengths.
Study 2: Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) in skin: stimulating, healing, restoring
Summary: Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) is a rapidly advancing technology used for stimulating healing, pain relief, reducing inflammation, and restoring function. It effectively uses red and near-infrared wavelengths, which are absorbed by mitochondrial chromophores in skin cells, leading to increased electron transport, ATP production, nitric oxide release, blood flow, reactive oxygen species, and activation of various signaling pathways. LLLT promotes tissue repair and healing by activating stem cells and has shown benefits in dermatology for treating wrinkles, acne scars, hypertrophic scars, burns, UV damage, pigmentary disorders like vitiligo, and inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis and acne. The non-invasive nature and minimal side effects of LLLT have encouraged its widespread use and further research, particularly in Western countries where societal pressures emphasize ideal appearance. The advent of LED devices has made LLLT more accessible by addressing concerns related to cost, safety, and operational complexity, with many devices now available for home use. Full Study Link.
Study 3: The Effect Of Low-Level Light Treatment On (Cold Sores)
The healing rates of those with cold sore ulcers improved, and their pain decreased with light therapy. Researchers compared the results of Red Light Therapy (RLT) to the healing times and pain relief experienced by participants using commonly prescribed prescription treatments for cold sores and those receiving no treatment at all.
Results concluded that low-level laser exposure in the form of light is an affordable and effective way to treat the herpes simplex virus and cold sore lesions. Full Study Link.
Study 4: Comparing The Effect Of Diode Laser Against Prescription Antiviral Cream For The Treatment Of Herpes Labialis
Researchers found a 49% reduction in healing time (average of 2.2 days) for red light therapy patients vs patients who did not have red light therapy (4.3 days). Full Study link.
The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to support the safety or effectiveness of any mentioned devices, or diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It should not be construed as medical advice and is not a substitute for a consultation with your healthcare provider. The clinical studies presented were conducted with devices that deliver the same or similar light wavelengths and irradiance as the device mentioned in this article.
