The role of light in health care can sometimes seem a little cloudy, especially if you have lupus. There’s red light therapy — but also infrared light, near-infrared light, blue light, and other types. Doctors and researchers encourage getting some sunlight for its vitamin D benefits but not so much that it causes sunburn or raises the risk of skin cancer.

If you have systemic lupus erythematosus, the most common type of lupus, you’re likely especially aware of the effects of light exposure. One type may cause a flare-up if you experience photosensitivity, while another may ease symptoms and improve your quality of life.

In this article, we’ll focus on red light therapy for lupus, including what it is and whether any evidence indicates that it’s effective. And if you’re considering light therapy or any other options, remember to always discuss any new lupus treatments with your doctor before trying them.

What Is Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy uses low-wavelength red light, which is thought to activate your mitochondria, the energy center of your cells. The boost in energy from light-emitting diode (LED) red light therapy may help some cells work more efficiently.

Other names for red light therapy include photobiomodulation, phototherapy, and low-level laser therapy. Unlike infrared light, which is invisible and can penetrate deeper into the body, red light is visible and most effective on the skin’s surface. Red light therapy is sometimes combined with blue light LED therapy to enhance its effectiveness.

Red light therapy is noninvasive and available at medical offices, beauty spas and salons, wellness centers, gyms, and other locations. You can even administer it yourself using an at-home light therapy device. However, if you have lupus or another autoimmune disease, it’s best to check with your doctor before trying therapies like these.

Benefits of Red Light Therapy

Researchers are exploring the health benefits of red light therapy. Still, because of the apparent energizing influence on mitochondria, some health experts believe red light provides anti-inflammatory effects, stimulates production of collagen (a protein that supports skin structure), dilates blood vessels to increase blood flow and circulation, and more.

Some providers use red light therapy to help:

• Promote wound healing
• Minimize fine lines, wrinkles, scars, and age spots
• Treat chronic pain
• Stimulate hair growth in people with alopecia (hair loss)
• Address psoriasis, eczema, and other skin conditions
• Repair skin damaged by sunburns and sun exposure

Although some studies have shown that red light therapy has the potential to help with specific health concerns, more research is needed, including clinical trials in which one group receives a placebo (inactive treatment) to avoid biased results. No scientific evidence shows that red light therapy helps with weight loss, cellulite reduction, depression, or seasonal affective disorder.

Does It Work for Lupus?

Lupus is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system attacks healthy tissues and organs. Since red light therapy has anti-inflammatory effects, it should help with lupus, right? Maybe. Many health experts consider it an emerging treatment because more research is needed to evaluate its effect on lupus.

A few MyLupusTeam members have shared their personal experiences with red light therapy:

• “It did not stop my hair from falling out or make the discoid rash on my scalp go away, but it did help with body aches, joint pain, and stiffness.”
• “I just started using it. I’m hoping it might help my hair loss to stop and maybe initiate some regrowth.”
• “I asked my rheumatologist about red light therapy, and he said absolutely not to try it because it may throw me into a flare.”

If you have questions about the risks and benefits of red light therapy for lupus, talk to your health care provider.

Risks of Red Light Therapy

Red light therapy is generally safe for short-term use when used as directed and administered with a device approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The safety of long-term use has yet to be evaluated.

Keeping track of which types of light exposure are safe can be confusing if you have lupus. Although red light therapy may be safe, most people with lupus should avoid ultraviolet light, including ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB). That means wearing sunscreen and protective clothing outdoors and avoiding fluorescent light indoors to protect yourself.

Talk to Your Doctor

If you want to try red light therapy, talk to your rheumatology provider or a doctor specializing in dermatology. Until you know how your body will react, it’s best to avoid pursuing red light therapy in nonmedical settings like gyms and salons. Be sure to seek out a licensed, certified facility if your doctor gives you the green light to receive red light therapy.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyLupusTeam is the social network for people with lupus and their loved ones. On MyLupusTeam, more than 223,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with lupus.

Have you tried red light therapy for lupus? How did it work for you? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation on your Activities page.