Red Light Therapy Panels for Aging: Effects on Preventing Pressure Ulcers in Disabled Elderly People

According to data from 2023 provided by the Center for Research on Disability, there are over 46 million disabled elderly people in the U.S. This group makes up 14% of the population. A large number of this portion of the population confined in nursing homes suffers from pressure ulcers, commonly known as bedsores.

According to compiled data from 30 studies, the prevalence of these pressure sores was 11.6%. While many factors can contribute to the development of bedsores among the elderly in nursing homes, understaffing and neglect often arise as common reasons. Loved ones seeking to prevent this suffering are turning to a variety of methods to assist their elderly relatives in these care settings, and one of them – red light therapy – keeps emerging as a viable supportive treatment.

How Can Red Light Therapy Help Disabled Elderly People in Nursing Homes?

As more research comes to light, red light therapy (RLT) or photobiomodulation (PBM) is the use of red and near-infrared light for stimulation of cellular activity with the purpose of helping to support the body’s natural ability to heal. It is non-invasive, painless, and drug-free, making it an ideal supplemental treatment option for a variety of issues from joint pain and inflammation in the elderly to speeding up healing for injured athletes.

Red light therapy panels are used to accelerate healing by increases ATP production, giving cells the help they need to repair and regenerate tissue. In doing so, it leads to faster wound closure. RLT also modulates cytokines, creating an anti-inflammatory effect to reduce pain signals, leading to improved comfort.

As it promotes the formation of new blood vessels, it results in increased blood flow, delivering critical oxygen and nutrients to the area of the wound, allowing for tissue regeneration. In turn, strong, new tissues are established to improve the integrity of the skin.

Case Studies Involving Prevention of Bedsores Through Red Light Therapy Panels on the Elderly

With red light panels, usage promotes local blood circulation, speeding up the regeneration of skin cells. In a 2023 study, it was found that while blue light had no effect, red light was key in accelerating epidermal proliferation.

Several case studies have also produced fascinating results on using red light therapy in conjunction with other treatments to prevent bedsores on elderly nursing home patients. In a 2001 randomized controlled trial of elderly patients with stage 2 or 3 pressure ulcer, those who were treated with pulsed monochromatic light had a 49% higher ulcer healing rate. They also experienced a shorter time to 90% ulcer closure.

This study from 2024, which consisted of a review of 28 studies that involved 1,471 patients, showed that groups who were treated with both red and infrared light had a significantly higher healing rate for their pressure ulcers compared with the control group. It has been noted as a more beneficial adjunctive treatment that can further assist traditional means.

Traditional Care Nursing Home Care and Red Light Therapy

The current guidelines in place for preventing bedsores for elderly patients in nursing homes should still be followed, though supplementing with red light therapy may be the key for better outcomes.

Caregivers are advised that they must reposition their patients regularly. A general rule of thumb is to turn patients in bed every two hours while those sitting in wheelchairs should be repositioned every hour. Specialized mattresses and cushions should be used whenever possible to assist with redistribution of pressure and support for patients.

Skin should also be inspected daily and cared for properly through gentle cleansing and moisturization. Additionally, patients need to receive proper nutrition and hydration to give their bodies these essentials from the inside out.

With the addition of red light therapy, it can be used as a supplementary treatment that works with these conventional care mandates. Integrating red light panels into these settings may be another step in providing well-rounded care to disabled seniors in these facilities.

Guidelines for Using Red Light Therapy for Pressure Ulcer Treatment in Nursing Homes

Caregivers at nursing homes may turn to red light therapy to treat disabled elderly patients for pressure ulcers, though it is recommended that it be used in conjunction with other prevention methods. On that note, this treatment should not be administered without first consulting a doctor for a treatment plan.

If RLT treatments are advised by the patient’s practitioner, then following the instructions for usage of the red light panel manufacturers is advised for both duration and frequency. Caregivers who are authorized to administer RLT should first ensure that the affected area is clean as failing to do so could trap bacteria underneath the skin.

Additionally, treatments should be set on a schedule in order for RLT to be effective. Most of the time, doctors will suggest sessions that last anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes at a rate of 3 to 5 times per week. The treated areas of the skin should be monitored closely for any signs of irritation.

The effectiveness of this treatment will also depend on the distance and angle that red light panels are positioned in relation to the skin. Usually, this is between 15 and 30 cm (1 to 3 inches), though if the patient complains of uncomfortable heat, it should be moved further away. The angle should typically be set for 10 to 30 degrees for deeper tissue penetration, though a wider angle of 60 to 120 degrees can provide broader coverage on a more superficial level. Under large panels, make sure that the patient’s wound is fully covered by the range of the light.

A Word About Contraindications with RTL and Elderly Patients

RTL is quite safe, though any patient with lupus or another photosensitive condition, or those on certain medications may not be an ideal candidate. It should also be avoided for anyone that has cancerous lesions on their skin as it may encourage additional growth.

If your elderly loved one suffers from frequent bedsores, it may be worth involving their doctor to ask about red light therapy panels. They may be an ideal candidate to use this supplementary treatment for speedier healing and reduction of pain.

FAQ

1. Can red light therapy panels replace medication or cosmetic procedures?

A: They cannot replace medication. They should be positioned as a "supportive care tool."

• They cannot replace medication: For example, chronic pain (such as arthritis and cervical spondylosis) requires medication as directed by a doctor. Red light therapy can help alleviate symptoms and reduce dependency, but it cannot be discontinued. Skin conditions (such as severe acne and eczema) require prior medical treatment. Red light therapy can be used as a post-operative repair method.
• They cannot completely replace cosmetic procedures: For problems such as deep wrinkles and sagging skin, cosmetic procedures (such as Thermage and dermatological injections) offer more immediate results. Red light therapy can be used for post-procedure repair (accelerating wound healing and reducing dark spots), or for daily maintenance of cosmetic results to slow down skin aging.

2. Can pregnant women, children, or people with photosensitive skin use the red light therapy panel?

A: Some groups should exercise caution or avoid its use, as follows:

• Pregnant women: We recommend avoiding its use (currently, there is a lack of clinical data on pregnancy. Although red light does not emit radiation, for safety reasons, it is not recommended for the abdomen or lower back).
• Children: Use only under a doctor's supervision, such as for minor wound healing (select the child-specific low-power mode, be accompanied by an adult at all times, and limit the exposure time to 5-10 minutes).
• People with photosensitive skin/those taking photosensitive medications (such as retinoids and quinolones): Perform a spot skin test (expose the inner arm for 5 minutes, and wait 24 hours for no redness, swelling, or allergy before use). Avoid frequent exposure while taking medication.

3. 660nm and 850nm dual-wavelength red light therapy panels: should I choose a single-wavelength or dual-wavelength model?

A: The dual-wavelength model is preferred, as the synergistic effect covers a wider range of needs. The single-wavelength model is only suitable for a specific scenario:

• 660nm red light (for epidermal effects): Primarily for skin care, such as promoting collagen regeneration to reduce wrinkles, improving acne inflammation, and enhancing skin clarity;
• 850nm near-infrared light (for deep tissue effects): Primarily for pain relief, such as penetrating muscle layers to inhibit inflammatory factors, accelerate lactic acid metabolism, and relieve joint stiffness;

The dual-wavelength model allows for switching modes via the panel button, providing both daily skincare and post-workout soreness or chronic pain, offering a more cost-effective solution.

3 What international safety certifications have iLUXRED's red light therapy products passed? Do they meet the compliance requirements of mainstream markets?

A: iLUXRED's red light therapy product system complies with and is certified by the US FDA and EU medical device management requirements. Our main products have also passed international safety certifications such as UKCA, ISO13485, CE, RoHS, and FCC, earning international recognition for their safety and compliance.