Red light and even infrared light therapy are astounding therapy methods for treatment like pain management, anti-aging, weight loss, etc. But what if the skin issue is for fungal infection? Red light therapy for fungal infection may not appear to be a speedy treatment, but it works like magic after consistent use!
This therapy method is especially effective for curing any fungal infection on the toes. This therapy can kill and reduce the growth of yeasts, mycosis, candida, thrush, etc. But, red light is not as efficient as blue one or the ones with lower wavelengths.
You can treat any skin disease like eczema, rosacea, or chronic skin issue with the help of red light therapy. Also, it can reduce the signs of aging from your skin, like wrinkles, and make you look younger.
Moreover, those with oily skin and acne can also rely on red light therapy as a treatment. Besides, you can go for red light therapy if itchiness or redness on your skin is due to an infection. However, experts have studied a lot to find if red light therapy has any effect on fungal infection or not. Let's find out how red light therapy works for fungal infection:
Red light therapy may be capable enough, but it works better if you apply it with some photochemical. For example, methylene blue is a photosensitizer chemical. If you apply it while undergoing red light therapy, it will help to get rid of the fungal infection.
A study has shown that only red light spotted on the infected area may sterile the area but doesn't clear them. As a result, the infection may return back to the same spot over time. That's why the experts suggest applying some chemicals that, with red light, can work as a sensitizer.
The researchers found that two of them sterilize the bacteria or yeast besides reducing their numbers. Thus, it provides better results than using red light therapy only.
Remember that itchiness or inflammation is a part of curing infections when your body's immune system fights against the existing parasites. So, the reduction of inflammation through RLT may result adversely. You must be careful about choosing red light therapy for any fungal infection.
As mentioned before, red light therapy is not efficient in reducing any fungal infection except for the infection on toenails. But you can increase its power by picking a high-wavelength red light and a low-wavelength infrared ray.
Infrared rays work better for viral, bacterial, or fungal skin diseases. Thus, it is helpful to reduce the germ density besides sterilizing them. Together, they make a strong photon that quickly works on the existing microorganisms and kills them within a few sessions.
Some experts have found that if red light therapy can be given at a higher dose, it can work on fungal infections well. The process is simple: the light goes to the skin cells and creates heat inside. The light creates heat and carbon dioxide inside the body, killing the microorganisms inside.
The heat doesn't affect the skin cells or destroy them. Moreover, the high dosage has no side effects on the human body. So, it can be a good way of treatment if you're not willing to undergo multiple lasers. It can also be useful if you don't have any chemicals around you.
It works the same way as before for sensitizer chemical and light therapy. If you continue using antifungal drugs or cream with red light therapy, it will quickly reduce your infection. Though this method is more fruitful for toe infection, fungal diseases on other body parts also respond.
For example, if you're facing any fungal infection in your body, red light therapy may help a lot. Especially when it's your reproductive organs, red light is safe to use unless you're pregnant or have any organic damage.
This method oxidizes the microbial cell so much that it can't survive and destroys it. So, it has the highest effects on the human body and is not suggested during any special medical condition.
However, it will take longer than blue lights to cure your infections if you choose red light therapy. But you have to be a little smarter if you want better results faster. You can take the steps mentioned above while taking the laser therapy treatment.
Though it's not generally expected to choose red light therapy for fungal infections, it can be a harmless, great ally. The success rate depends on how you use the therapy to treat your infection. If your combination and session frequency are proper, you will surely eliminate infections from yeasts or other fungi.