Red Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation) and Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Red light therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate healing processes in the body. This page explores what it is, why researchers believe it may help HS, what the current evidence shows, and what patients should know before considering it.
Red light therapy LED panel with 630-880nm wavelength spectrum
Medical Disclaimer: Red light therapy is not an approved or guideline-recommended treatment for HS. This page is for educational purposes only. Always discuss any new therapy with your dermatologist or healthcare provider before starting.
What Red Light Therapy Is
Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate healing processes in the body. Unlike ultraviolet (UV) light, which can damage skin cells, red and near-infrared light wavelengths are absorbed by cells and used to support biological repair processes.
These wavelengths penetrate the skin and influence the mitochondria inside cells, which can increase cellular energy production and promote tissue repair.
Therapeutic Wavelength Ranges
| Type | Range | Penetration |
|---|---|---|
| Red Light | 630-660 nm | Superficial skin layers |
| Near-Infrared (NIR) | 810-880 nm | Deeper tissue and muscle |
Red light therapy is currently used for conditions such as:
- Wound healing
- Joint inflammation
- Skin repair
- Muscle recovery
Red and near-infrared light photons penetrate skin layers and are absorbed by mitochondria, stimulating ATP production and activating cellular repair pathways.
Why It May Help HS
Researchers believe red light therapy may help HS through several biological mechanisms. These are theoretical pathways supported by early research, not confirmed clinical outcomes.
Reducing Inflammation
Photobiomodulation can modulate inflammatory cytokines, potentially reducing the chronic immune activation that drives HS lesion formation.
Improving Blood Circulation
Red and near-infrared light may stimulate new blood vessel formation (angiogenesis), improving oxygen and nutrient delivery to affected tissue.
Accelerating Wound Healing
By stimulating mitochondrial ATP production, red light therapy may speed up the cellular repair processes needed to heal HS lesions and sinus tracts.
Decreasing Bacterial Growth
Some wavelengths of light have antimicrobial properties that may help reduce bacterial load in affected HS tissue, potentially reducing secondary infections.
Some dermatology clinics already use light-based therapies for inflammatory skin conditions. This existing clinical familiarity with phototherapy in dermatology provides a foundation for exploring red light therapy specifically for HS, though HS-specific protocols are not yet standardized.
Current Evidence
Evidence is still developing
There are no large-scale randomized controlled trials (RCTs) confirming red light therapy as an effective treatment specifically for HS. Most available evidence comes from small studies, case reports, and research on related inflammatory skin conditions.
Some small studies and clinical reports suggest that red light therapy may:
- Reduce inflammation in affected skin areas
- Improve lesion healing after HS flares
- Decrease pain in chronic wounds
Research Limitations
- Large-scale controlled studies for HS specifically are still limited
- Most dermatology guidelines do not list red light therapy as a standard HS treatment
- Optimal treatment protocols (wavelength, duration, frequency) for HS are not established
- Long-term outcomes are not well documented
Key takeaway: Red light therapy should currently be considered a supportive therapy rather than a primary treatment for HS. It may complement standard medical care but should not replace it.
Conceptual illustration of potential wound healing improvement with red light therapy. Individual results vary and are not guaranteed.
Types of Red Light Devices
Patients may encounter several types of devices, ranging from clinical-grade systems to consumer home devices. Understanding the differences is important when evaluating options.
Clinical Phototherapy Systems
Professional systems used in dermatology clinics and hospitals. These produce precise, calibrated wavelengths and intensities under medical supervision.
Medical-Grade LED Panels
Large LED panels used in wellness clinics and some dermatology practices. Offer broader coverage than handheld devices with more consistent wavelength output.
Handheld Red Light Devices
Consumer devices for home use. More convenient and affordable, but generally produce lower intensity and less consistent wavelengths than clinical devices.
Medical-grade devices used in clinical settings generally produce stronger and more consistent wavelengths than consumer devices. If you are considering red light therapy for HS, starting with a consultation at a dermatology clinic that offers phototherapy is recommended over purchasing a home device without guidance.
Safety Considerations
Red light therapy is generally considered safe when used properly. However, there are important precautions that HS patients should be aware of before starting any light-based therapy.
Generally Safe When Used Properly
- Non-ionizing light - does not damage DNA like UV radiation
- No known systemic side effects at therapeutic doses
- Can be used on most skin types
- Does not require anesthesia or recovery time
Important Precautions
- Excessive exposure may irritate skin, especially over active HS lesions
- Eyes should always be protected during treatment - use appropriate eye protection
- Treatment protocols should be discussed with a healthcare provider
- Avoid using over open wounds or actively draining lesions without medical guidance
Frequently Asked Questions
Can red light therapy cure HS?
No. Red light therapy cannot cure HS. It may support wound healing and reduce localized inflammation as a complementary approach, but it does not address the underlying immune dysfunction driving HS. It should be used alongside, not instead of, evidence-based medical treatments.
What wavelengths are used in red light therapy for HS?
Most therapeutic devices use wavelengths between 630-660 nm (red light) and 810-880 nm (near-infrared light). These wavelengths penetrate the skin and are absorbed by mitochondria in cells, which can increase cellular energy production and promote tissue repair.
Is red light therapy safe for HS patients?
Red light therapy is generally considered safe when used properly. However, excessive exposure may irritate skin, eyes should always be protected during treatment, and any treatment protocol should be discussed with a healthcare provider before starting.
Does insurance cover red light therapy for HS?
In most cases, no. Red light therapy for HS is not yet a standard guideline treatment, so insurance coverage is typically not available. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket for clinical sessions or home devices.
How does red light therapy differ from LLLT for HS?
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) uses coherent laser light at precise wavelengths, while red light therapy typically uses non-coherent LED light. Both work through photobiomodulation mechanisms, but LLLT devices used in clinical settings generally produce stronger and more targeted wavelengths than consumer red light therapy panels.
Medical References
- [1]Waibel JS, et al. Low-level laser therapy for the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa: a case series. J Drugs Dermatol. 2019;18(9):879-882. PubMed
- [2]Alikhan A, et al. North American clinical management guidelines for hidradenitis suppurativa. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2019;81(1):76-90. PubMed
- [3]Jemec GBE. Hidradenitis suppurativa. N Engl J Med. 2012;366(2):158-164. PubMed