Burn victims may find that they are able to heal from their skin wounds at significantly faster rates when hospitals incorporate infrared light into their treatment plan. Multiple studies reveal that the use of infrared light in appropriate doses can aid in speeding up recovery from burns, chronically open wounds, post surgery lesions, skin grafts, as well as many other skin afflictions.
Living with wounds of the skin can be associated with diminished health, lowered self esteem and an overall sense of well being. Unfortunately, there can be limited treatments available for wounds to the skin. Several studies found that exposure to infrared light was a promising tool to help heal wounds.
By virtue of its wavelength, infrared light is able to increase the temperature of the tissues without affecting the skin’s temperature in an overly adverse way. In doing so infrared light is able to stimulate healing responses of the tissues within the body without damaging the surface of the skin. The two parallel occurrences have opened the door to using specific light frequency as a tool for healing skin wounds.
It appears to be possible to prepare the skin for surgery through the use of infrared light to strengthen tissues below the surface of the skin, heal chronically infected wounds, increase the velocity of burn wound healing, as well as heal skin after surgery or skin grafts. This discovery may be relevant for clinical uses, but also potentially useful for those with less severe skin conditions using a commercially available infrared sauna at home. (1)
Find out exactly what infrared light is, and how it differs from UV light, which can deplete the skin in cases of over exposure. Discover the details of the publication that touts the use of ‘Water-Filtered Infrared’ treatments for the skin and how these findings could be applicable for you. Finally, find a way to reasonably and safely use infrared light at home to help augment skin wound healing and ultimately move from photodamaged skin to photorejuvenated skin. (1)
What is Infrared Light and How Does it Interact with the Human Body?
When something is invisible to the human eye it often remains in the elusive and mysterious realm. While the effects of the light spectrum from the sun itself can be experienced, the actual light wave frequencies are mostly invisible to the human eye. There exists a variety of expressions in the electromagnetic spectrum and only a small portion of this falls into the category of visible light.
Light moves through space in wave-like movements. Each frequency of light has a very unique and specific frequency that distinguishes it from all other light waves. These wavelengths are measured in nanometers. For example, the visible color light frequency ranges from 380 nanometers to 700 nanometers. (2) Violet light is the shortest visible frequency, while red light is the longest wavelength in this field of vision. Before violet light there is the invisible frequency of ultraviolet light. This occurs before light can be seen and is a faster moving wave. Most people have experienced the very palpable effects of ultraviolet light in the form of a sunburn, or tanned skin from midday exposure to the sun. On the far end of the visible light spectrum exists near, and far infrared light. This light is slower moving but more powerful. (2)
It is very important to understand that while UV light affects the surface of the skin, infrared light does not. however, it is able to penetrate beyond the surface of the skin to affect biological change deep within the body’s tissues.
Except for in smaller doses, it is best to avoid UV light to diminish photo damage to the skin. When looking for ways to elicit faster wound healing it is important to avoid burning the skin or tanning it; however, there is still a way for light to help in the healing of skin wounds.
Recent research has found that infrared light is able to positively affect tissues within the body by penetrating into the deeper layers of the epidermis and beyond. Due to the fact that infrared light moves beyond the surface of the skin to elicit positive cellular adaptation it is possible to use it to heal wounds from the inside out. Several different groups of researchers looked for ways to heal wounds using infrared light while patients were submerged in water. The results show promise for this method as a verifiable means of preparing patients for surgery where wounds of the skin would inevitably occur, to heal long lasting open sours, ulcers, burns, and lesions.
Find out the details of these studies that used infrared light to heal the skin from deep within the soft tissues of the body.
What Does the Research Show Us About Wound Healing and Infrared Light?
Infrared light exists naturally within the sun’s radiant spectrum. As this light frequency moves through the atmosphere into and onto the earth’s surface, it moves through significant levels of humidity. This means that by the time infrared light interacts with humans it has been filtered through significant amounts of water. Several scientists decided to create a device that would harness this naturally occurring phenomenon of infrared light filtered through water before reaching the skin through a process known as Water-filtered infrared-A (wIRA). (1)
GMS German Medical Science — an Interdisciplinary Journal is a reputable publication and one that chose to review the effects of infrared light on wound healing in humans in their article entitled ‘Heat for wounds – water-filtered infrared-A (wIRA) for wound healing – a review’. (1) The objective of the research was to find out if the infrared light could be harnessed in such a manner as to directly expose skin wounds to this frequency to elicit healing of the skin in otherwise incurable wounds, or to speed up wound healing in fresh lesions to the skin. (1)
The basic premise of the research was to replicate the occurrence of infrared light as it exists in nature, but with a slightly more concentrated expression of infrared light. Here is how the authors describe their hopes for this research.
“Water-filtered infrared-A (wIRA) is a special form of heat radiation with high tissue penetration and a low thermal load to the skin surface. wIRA corresponds to the major part of the sun’s heat radiation, which reaches the surface of the Earth in moderate climatic zones filtered by water and water vapor of the atmosphere. wIRA promotes healing of acute and chronic wounds both by thermal and thermic as well as by non-thermal and non-thermic cellular effects.” (1)
This review examined studies of wound healing in several different areas of medical care. By examining several different studies the authors were able ascertain an overall approach to epidermal healing from different incidents of injury.
Here is a list of areas that the various studies involving Water-filtered infrared-A (wIRA) covered.
- Postoperatively for acute surgical wounds
- Preoperatively for acute surgical wounds
- For severely burned children
- For experimental human wounds
- For wound sarcomas and for persistent postoperative pain (1)
The studies proved to successfully improve the rate of wound healing in humans in several different contexts by reducing both inflammation and the surface area of the wound itself. Given that light itself is a textureless process the execution of the wound healing was possible without direct contact to the skin with ointments, and creams.
“…with a high tissue penetration and a low thermal load to the surface of the skin, is a substance-free non-contact, pleasant feeling method, which can be used in both acute and chronic wounds.” (1)
The studies looked at cases of over 400 participants and compared high standard care treatment of skin wounds versus high standard care plus the inclusion of infrared light healing mechanisms as well. In all cases, those participants who were also exposed to infrared light as a portion of their care experienced much faster recovery rates compared to those who did not receive infrared light treatment. The light frequency used in these studies was 780–1400 nm. (1)
If you recall from earlier discussion above, UV light exists in the spectrum below 380 nanometers (nm). After UV light, the spectrum gradually increases into longer wavelengths and evolves through the color light spectrum into the invisible infrared spectrum. The infrared light spectrum does not affect the topical portion of skin in the way that UV or even color light does, but rather bypasses this portion of the body and moves directly into the deeper layers of tissue to begin cellular healing. (2)
One study found that in severely burned children there was a 90% reduction in wound area size after exposure to Water-filtered infrared-A (wIRA) therapy. (1)
Furthermore, the studies found that those patients who were exposed to infrared treatment in addition to other high end care had many other positive effects compared to those who did not receive the infrared treatment. Some of these effects included.
- Shorter hospital stays
- Better cosmetic results
- Lower rate of wound infection
- Reduction of pain
- Faster healing times (1)
The authors conclude by writing this about the incorporation of infrared light into the treatment of serious wounds.
“Wound exudation and inflammation are also diminished. Wound healing, clinical impression, and cosmetic result are markedly improved” (3)
Exposure to infrared light has been found to increase overall oxygenation of the body’s tissues. Infection tends to exist in low oxygenated areas of the body. By fueling the body with the energy of infrared light energy consumption and conversion is improved, creating a natural milieu for healing to occur. (1)
The authors of this review write this about the specific mechanism of interaction of infrared light with the body.
“An improvement of energy supply per unit of time (increase of metabolic activity) and in the oxygen supply therefore provides a plausible explanation for the positive clinical effects of wIRA in wounds and wound infections.” (1)
Whether infrared light is used in preparing patients for surgery or for post-operative care, the results remained the same. Healing of skin wounds was improved across the board. The same holds true for the deeply unfortunate cases of burns in children. This area of study is much needed, and there are few things more sad and compelling than the desire to heal children affected by burns.
Even experimentally wounded flesh responded well to Water-filtered infrared-A (wIRA), as did infected wounds, as well as non-healing ulcerated wounds in the legs of patients who responded well to exposure of infrared light as seen in the reviewed study involving 51 participants.(1)
“In a prospective, randomised, controlled, blinded study (Department of Dermatology, University of Freiburg, Germany), 51 patients with non-healing chronic venous stasis ulcers of the lower legs (initial ulcer area of 1–68 cm²) were treated with compression therapy, wound cleansing and non-adhesive wound dressings and 30 minutes irradiation five times per week over 9 weeks with a further 4 weeks of treatment without irradiation” (3)
In this German publication that reviewed many studies involving wound healing and infrared light, there is little doubt of the advantages of its inclusion in almost all cases of hospitalized flesh wounds, but what about for less severe cases? Can exposure to infrared light help heal the skin, or minor skin wounds at home?
Find out how you, too, may be able to harness the power of infrared light from using this light spectrum in a sauna.
How Can you Safely Use Infrared Light From Home in the Treatment of Skin Wounds or to Strengthen Your Skin?
While it is true that Water-filtered infrared-A (wIRA) devices are not sold commercially, nor are they available for personal use at the moment, it is still possible to harness the power of infrared light to heal the skin. Naturally, with severe skin injury you ought to seek emergency medical care immediately, but for cases of minor skin wounds is it advisable to use the light from your infrared sauna?
The National Library of Medicine’s publication entitled ‘Biological effects and medical applications of infrared radiation’ (3) wrote this regarding the use of infrared saunas.
“The use of far-infrared saunas for medical treatment is based on deep skin-penetration of the radiation to restore homeostasis of thermal regulation.” (4)
The same publication goes on to describe the use of infrared saunas in the healing of skin afflictions. While the heat of the sauna (without the cooling effect of water submersion) can worsen some skin conditions, the wavelengths of infrared light are able to penetrate into the soft tissues of the body to elicit cellular responses that can reduce inflammation, and possibly infection as well as increase the strength of the proteins elastin and collagen. (3)
This publication articulates the basic healing function of infrared light as seen in a sauna by describing the biological mechanistic response to exposure to infrared light here.
“All photobiological responses are determined by the absorption of energy by photoacceptor molecules (chromophores) during light irradiation. It is important to clarify the molecular mechanism of light interactions with tissue by identifying the photoacceptor molecules. IR-induced physiological effects are thought to be due to two main types of photoacceptor (i.e., cytochrome c oxidase and intracellular water). Photon absorption converts light into signals that can stimulate biological processes. The action of IR light on water dynamics in membranes, mitochondria and/or cells could modulate signaling pathways, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), ATP (adenosine triphosphate), Ca2+, NO, and inositol phosphates group.” (3)
Infrared saunas rely on the same interaction of human biological systems and infrared light as described above. Infrared saunas can be beneficial in skin wound healing, however they should not be used if specific skin conditions are present.
Do not use an infrared sauna to treat burns, open wounds, heat sensitive skin conditions, or infected cuts. Rather, turn to the use of infrared saunas to reverse photoaging and to encourage photorejuvenation. (3)
Photoaging vs Photorejuvenation: Where UV lights Damages Infrared Light Can Heal
As seen in earlier discussions the infrared light spectrum, when administered properly, has the power to heal wounds as serious as those observed in hospitalized burn patients, serious lesions to the skin, and ongoing infected ulcers. The same premise can be harnessed in an infrared sauna for less acute skin afflictions. Namely, aged skin, acne scars, minor abrasions to skin, as well as overall texture.
It is difficult for most humans to avoid sun damage to the skin, also known as photoaging. When ultraviolet light is intensely present in the sun’s radiance it is possible to cause photoaging, or damage to the skin from this spectrum of light. While this is true, another portion of the sun’s eminence can heal the very damage caused by over exposure to UV light,Infrared light.
If you are looking to move from photoaged skin to photorejuvenation then you need not look farther than your infrared sauna. It is not necessary to set the temperature too high to benefit from the healing rays of infrared light. So, if you are looking to heal your sun damaged skin (not during a sun burn), then consider sitting in your sauna for 30 minutes to harness the positive effects of infrared light.
The dedicated researchers have worked hard to find that infrared light can be used to heal the skin under the most severe conditions of wounding, so why not use the easily available infrared light to heal your skin and move from photodamage to photorejuvenation!
If you have a severe burn on your skin or ongoing ulcers of the skin please seek medical attention immediately, and do not use a sauna to treat these conditions.
Sources Cited:
- https://www.egms.de/static/en/journals/gms/2016-14/000235.shtml
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6751071/#:~:text=Summary.%20Light%20not%20only%20enables%20us%20to,intervention%20for%20psychiatric%20and%20other%20medical%20conditions.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5505738/
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02656736.2021.1991010#abstract