Red light therapy (RLT) can be used to treat many different conditions and symptoms. Shingles, a condition that brings about excruciating pain and discomfort, is one of the health issues that can benefit from RLT.
This non-invasive therapeutic approach utilises specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to stimulate healing, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain. Originally developed for wound healing and pain relief, red light therapy is now being explored as a novel method to address the multifaceted symptoms of shingles.
In this article, we discuss what shingles are and how this treatment approach can help people manage their symptoms. By understanding the mechanisms and applications of red light therapy, individuals suffering from shingles may find a new avenue of hope for relief and recovery.
What is Shingles?
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body, specifically in nerve tissue near the spinal cord and brain. Years later, the virus can reactivate as shingles.
According to the NHS, people usually get shingles rash on the chest and tummy, bit it can appear anywhere on the body.
The symptoms of shingles can vary in severity and duration, but they generally follow a pattern:
Early Symptoms
- Pain and Burning Sensation: This often occurs before any visible rash appears. It can be intense and is usually localised to one side of the body.
- Tingling or Itching: Some people experience tingling or itching in the affected area.
Rash and Blisters
- Red Rash: A few days after the pain begins, a red rash develops. The rash typically appears on one side of the body or face, following the path of a nerve.
- Fluid-Filled Blisters: The rash develops into clusters of fluid-filled blisters. These blisters break open and crust over within 7 to 10 days.
- Scabbing: The blisters eventually scab over and heal, but this can take 2 to 4 weeks.
Other Symptoms
- Sensitivity to Touch: The affected skin can become very sensitive, and even light touch can cause pain.
- Itching: The rash and blisters can be very itchy.
- Fatigue: General feelings of being unwell and tiredness.
- Fever and Chills: Some people may experience a mild fever, chills, headache, or upset stomach.
Even after the rash has healed, some people continue to experience pain in the affected area. This condition, known as postherpetic neuralgia, can last for months or even years and is caused by nerve damage.
The NHS recommends people with symptoms to seek medical advice to about complications. Treatment for shingles include medicines to relieve pain and skin irritation. It can take up to four weeks for the shingles rash to heal.
How Red Light Therapy Can be Used in Shingles Treatment?
Red light therapy, also known as low-level light therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation, involves using red or near-infrared light to stimulate healing and reduce pain and inflammation. It has been explored as a treatment option for various conditions, including shingles.
Red light therapy penetrates the skin and is absorbed by the cells, specifically by the mitochondria, which are the energy-producing parts of the cell. This absorption can increase the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), promoting cell repair and regeneration.
The therapy can help reduce inflammation by modulating the inflammatory response, potentially reducing pain and swelling associated with shingles. It can help in managing pain by influencing pain pathways and reducing the sensation of pain.
Furthermore, red light therapy can potentially enhance immune system function, aiding in the body's response to the viral infection.
Benefits of Using RLT for Shingles
Red light therapy (RLT) offers several potential benefits for treating shingles, focusing on pain relief, inflammation reduction, and accelerated healing:
Pain Relief
Shingles is notoriously painful, and one of the primary benefits of RLT is its ability to alleviate pain.
RLT can help reduce nerve pain associated with shingles by influencing pain pathways and reducing the sensation of pain. This is particularly beneficial for postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a common complication where pain persists long after the rash has healed.
Exposure to red light can stimulate the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, providing additional pain relief.
Reduction of Inflammation
Shingles cause significant inflammation in the affected area, leading to redness, swelling, and discomfort.
RLT has been shown to reduce inflammation by modulating the inflammatory response. It can help decrease the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, thereby reducing swelling and redness.
RLT improves blood circulation, which can help flush out inflammatory substances and bring in nutrients and oxygen that aid in healing.
Accelerated Healing
The painful rash and blisters caused by shingles can take weeks to heal. RLT can help speed up this process.
RLT stimulates the mitochondria in cells, enhancing ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production. This increase in cellular energy boosts cell repair and regeneration, leading to faster healing of skin lesions and blisters.
RLT promotes collagen synthesis, which is crucial for skin repair and reducing scarring. This can lead to better skin health and appearance post-recovery.
Improved Immune Response
A strong immune response is essential for fighting the varicella-zoster virus and preventing complications.
RLT can enhance immune system function, helping the body more effectively combat the virus. This modulation can lead to a more robust and balanced immune response.
Non-Invasive and Safe
RLT is a non-invasive treatment with a favourable safety profile. Unlike some medications, RLT has minimal side effects when used correctly. It's a gentle treatment that can be safely administered without the risks associated with more invasive procedures.
RLT can be administered in a clinical setting or at home using portable devices, making it a convenient option for many patients.
Application of Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy can be administered by healthcare professionals using specialised devices in a clinical setting. The affected area is exposed to red or near-infrared light for a specified duration.
When using a device at home, it is important to adjust it to the recommended settings based on the manufacturer's instructions or healthcare provider's advice. This includes setting the correct wavelength and intensity.
Position the device at the recommended distance from the skin (usually a few inches). Typical session durations range from 10 to 20 minutes, but this can vary based on the device and the severity of the condition.
Most protocols suggest using RLT daily or several times a week. Consistency is key to achieving the best results.
It's essential to consult a healthcare provider before starting red light therapy, especially for shingles, to ensure it's appropriate and safe for your specific condition.
It is also important to note that red light therapy is often used as a complementary treatment alongside antiviral medications and pain management strategies for shingles.
While red light therapy is generally considered safe, individual responses can vary. Monitoring and professional guidance are recommended.
Final Thoughts
Red light therapy (RLT) presents a promising and innovative approach to managing shingles, offering benefits that extend beyond traditional treatments. It can provide significant pain relief, reduce inflammation, and accelerate the healing process. Its non-invasive nature, minimal side effects, and ease of use make it an attractive option for many patients.
Discover how RLT can be used in this and other treatments by contacting us.
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