Red Light Therapy For Cold Sores

IN THIS ARTICLE:

• 01 What Are Cold Sores?
• 02 What is Red Light Therapy?
• 03 Does Red Light Therapy Treat Cold Sores?
• 04 How Does Red Light Therapy Treat Cold Sores?
• 05 Do Wavelengths Matter: Red Light Therapy and Cold Sores

What Are Cold Sores?

Cold sores, also referred to as fever blisters, are painful blisters that appear on or around the mouth. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), and unfortunately, there is no real  ‘cure’ once you contract the virus. However, the World Health Organization estimates 67% of people under the age of 50 are infected with HSV-1. Although it is a lifelong infection, usually, symptoms remain dormant and are triggered by factors such as stress, illness, UV light, the wind, cuts, and the hormonal or immune system. This is why you may notice the first (and dreaded) tingling feeling indicating coldsore onset around a particularly stressful or busy period. That tingling feeling is the first sign that the HSV-1 virus, usually dormant in nerve cells, is set to reactivate. If you are prone to cold sore flare-ups or simply want to learn more about the best way to treat recurring active blisters, this post is for you.

What is Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy involves the application of red light wavelengths to particular parts of the body to trigger certain therapeutic cellular responses. Red light therapy is often used to treat pain, inflammation and promote healthy skin aging by triggering the body’s natural healing process. A red light, at particular wavelengths (which we will get to later), is regenerative. It repairs damaged cells and promotes the creation of new, healthier cells to take their place - red light is essentially a powerful healer.

Does Red Light Therapy Treat Cold Sores?

Yes, many scientific studies have linked red light therapy with a faster recovery time from cold sores and fewer cold-sore flare-ups. One larger-scale study found that the application of 1072nm wavelengths reduced the average healing time of a cold sore from 5 to 7 days.

How Does Red Light Therapy Treat Cold Sores?

The application of red (600-700nm) and infrared (800-1100nm) wavelengths has a range of biochemical effects on the skin.

The primary mechanisms through which red light therapy treats cold sores include

1. Triggers the release of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) by activating oxidase C to regenerate new cells and encourage faster healing.
2. Triggers the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that activate the DNA repair pathways to repair damaged cells.
3. Triggers the release of nitric oxide to boost blood flow and regulate immune function.

The secondary mechanisms through which red light therapy treats cold sores include

1. Reduces pain
2. Regulates inflammation through the release of antioxidants
3. Strengthens the immune system
4. Reduces shedding
5. Reduces post-treatment scarring

Do Wavelengths Matter: Red Light Therapy and Cold Sores

Absolutely! The specific wavelength of light is crucial to ensure that the device you choose effectively helps heal recurring cold sores. For example, the study quoted earlier uses 1072nm ‘deep infrared’ wavelengths to reduce healing time on average from 7 to 5 days. A second study using the 1072nm deep infrared wavelength demonstrated that just one 5-minute treatment reduced cold sore healing time by 4 days. This wavelength is not used in many products claiming to ‘clear and heal coldsores’, in fact, it's not used on most devices on the market. Another study using 670nm red light therapy concluded that the light wavelengths had an ‘obvious effect’ on healing, but no more specific data is available. Interestingly, one longer-scale study conducted over 52 weeks investigated the impact of red light therapy on the recurrence of cold sores. It found that regular sessions significantly reduced the recurrence of Herpes simplex infection in a safe and non-invasive manner. This study indicates that regular use of an LED mask for other concerns such as acne, aging etc, even without an active cold sore, could prevent an outbreak. The research clearly demonstrates that the best red light therapy for coldsores includes a 1072nm infrared wavelength combined with a 630-660nm red light wavelength to play a supporting role.

While many like to use a wand such as the LumaGlow Red to treat and prevent cold sores, using an LED mask is just as effective and usually gives you the best return on your investment. The LumaLux Face LED Mask features 1072, 850, and 630nm light therapy wavelengths, along with a specially designed lip feature to effectively target and treat this area.

Cold sores may only occur a few times a year, so purchasing a dedicated device for occasional use may not fit every budget. However, the LumaLux LED mask offers a great solution—it can be used daily for various skin concerns like acne and aging while also effectively treating cold sores when required. Plus, its preventative benefits mean you'll likely experience fewer outbreaks over time.

LED Mask

LumaLux Face | Pro LED Light Therapy Mask

Our most advanced LED mask for deeper skin renewal - fine lines, acne, hyperpigmentation, skin texture

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Summary & Takeaways:

• Infrared and red light therapy for cold sores can reduce healing time and frequency of flare-ups
• 1072nm and 630-660nm are the most effective wavelengths
• While light therapy may treat coldsore symptoms, the root cause of HSV-1 has no known cure
• The LumaLux LED mask, with 1072, 850, and 630nm wavelengths, is effective for both treating cold sores and addressing other skin concerns like acne and aging
• Regular sessions of red light therapy may significantly lower the frequency of cold sore outbreaks, making it a valuable addition to your skincare routine
• How to use red light therapy for cold sores? Use LED light therapy for 2-3 minutes daily while you have an active cold sore

written by Sophie Flair