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Red Light Contraindications

Precautions and Contraindications for Red Light Therapy

While there are no industry-wide accepted contraindications for red light therapy, nor any regulatory restrictions, we feel it prudent to mention potential hazards drawn from current research and clinical inferences.

In general, as RLT will generate thermal energy (heat) as light is absorbed, and as it may stimulate tissues, there are therefore certain conditions which would contraindicate its use:

  • If you have hyperthyroidism, red light therapy on the neck and upper chest may increase thyroid activity.
  • There is a theoretical risk that RLT may increase cell proliferation in malignant cancers. Avoid use if you have any suspicious or cancerous lesions or tumors.
  • If you are prescribed medication that increases your sensitivity to light, it may also increase your risk of sensitivity to red light therapy.
  • There are some individuals that have a rare condition that causes extreme sensitivity to light. If this describes you, red light therapy should be avoided.
  • If you suffer from Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), the condition can cause skin sensitivity, which could increase the risk of a reaction to red light therapy.
  • If you have tattoos, RLT could cause cosmetic defects to your body art. Especially with red ink, fading may occur when exposed to intense red light. Also, the tattoo ink may cause an uneven absorption of the red light, causing therapy to be less uniform.

Reasons to postpone using Red Light Therapy

  • If you have a fever or infection, there is a theoretical risk that the use of RLT can worsen existing hyperthermia. Therefore, wait until these conditions clear before getting before the RLT panel.
  • The ability to reach and the resultant effects of red light therapy on a developing fetus have not been sufficiently researched and are not fully understood- therefore we do not recommend using RLT while pregnant.
  • Similarly, there has not been clinical research on the effects of red light therapy on those nursing. Under a preponderance of caution, avoid RLT when lactating unless use is cleared by your healthcare provider.
  • If you have had a recent burn or cut, the affected area may still contain residual thermal energy that may be increased by heat from red light therapy. Best to wait to use RLT until the area has healed. (Interesting though, it is also thought RLT can help with wound healing.)
  • Steroids work to suppress the immune system, while red light therapy may work to stimulate it. To the extent that the two therapies may work against each other, we do not recommend they be used together.
  • Users with a history of facial fillers and/or Botox injections should consult their dermatologist prior to first red light therapy use.
  • Users with breast implants should consult their plastic surgeon prior to first red light therapy use.
  • Postpone red light therapy use during the healing period post Lasik eye surgery.

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