For people living with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), finding relief often involves trial and error. As one myHSteam member said, “What works for some doesn’t necessarily work for others, but anything is worth a try!” Finding the right treatment plan can take time and effort, so it’s important to research new options before trying them.

Several members of myHSteam have asked if red light therapy could be a helpful addition to their arsenal of treatment options. This article explains how red light therapy works and what the latest studies say about its effectiveness in treating HS.

What Is Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy is a form of photodynamic therapy, a procedure that uses light to treat the skin. The light used in red light therapy has a typical wavelength of 620 to 750 nanometers. These wavelengths fall within the visible light spectrum. This is why we see it as red light — hence the name “red light therapy.”

Importantly, red light has a much longer wavelength than ultraviolet (UV) light, which can damage the skin and increase the risk of certain cancers. Unlike UV light, red light is low energy, so exposure to it doesn’t carry the same risks. Because of its low energy properties, red light is also known as low-level laser therapy or low-power laser therapy.

How Does Red Light Therapy Work?

During red light therapy, a photosensitizer — a molecule that easily breaks down when exposed to light — is first applied to the area to be treated. Examples of photosensitizers include methylene blue, 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA), and ALA analogs like methyl aminolevulinate (MAL).

Once the photosensitizer is applied, the area is exposed to red light. The light activates the topical photosensitizers, causing them to release reactive oxygen species (ROS). These are highly chemically active compounds.

Red light therapy is thought to help heal treated areas in two ways. First, the ROS released during therapy can react with the cells in the surrounding area, killing unhealthy or damaged cells. In this way, those cells can be cleared away. Second, red light may stimulate mitochondria, the part of the cell that produces energy. With more energy, cells may be better able to:

• Repair themselves
• Grow more new cells to replace damaged ones
• Rejuvenate the skin
• Increase collagen production
• Increase blood flow for faster healing
• Reduce inflammation

Where Is Red Light Therapy Used as a Medical Treatment?

So far, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only approved red light therapy devices for cosmetic use. This means that these devices can be sold to the public after following the FDA’s safety standards and proving that they improve skin appearance.

Red light therapy is often used to treat acne, wrinkles, and scars. It’s also being explored for more serious conditions, such as psoriasis, skin cancer, and eczema. However, doctors and dermatologists emphasize that more studies are needed to confirm that red light therapy is safe and effective for different conditions. Still, many people find red light therapy promising.

Red Light Therapy May Offer Benefits for People with Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Red light therapy may help people with HS. Like other forms of laser therapy, it could help clear damaged and clogged hair follicles by promoting cell repair. It also has the added benefit of reducing inflammation, which may relieve those painful nodules and lesions during flare-ups.

Additionally, red light has been shown to penetrate deeply into the skin. Since HS affects both the epidermal (outer) and dermal (deeper) skin layers, being able to reach deeper into the skin makes red light therapy a promising option.

How Effective Is Red Light Therapy for HS?

Early studies show encouraging results for people with HS:

In a 2016 study, seven people with HS were treated with red light therapy and methylene blue. Five of the seven participants were still in remission six months after the procedure.

An October 2024 study also used red light therapy to treat 16 people with HS. This study looked at both physical changes to the skin and the participants’ quality of life. The study found significant improvements in both areas.

While early trials show promise, more rigorous studies are needed. A 2022 systematic review of 18 studies found that many of them had small sample sizes, were poorly standardized, and didn’t include proper scientific controls. Despite these limitations, the review highlighted encouraging results. For example, red light therapy with ALA was effective for 78 percent to 94 percent of participants.

Does Red Light Therapy Work for All HS Stages?

Researchers haven’t yet studied the effect of red light therapy on different stages of HS. However, studies on other laser therapies, such as neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) and intense pulsed light lasers (used in hair removal treatments) suggest they may only be effective for stage I and II HS.

So far, CO2 laser treatment is the only effective laser-based treatment for stage III HS. Whether red light therapy can help people with different disease severity is a question for future research.

Risks of Red Light Therapy

While the long-term effects of red light therapy have not yet been studied, it is generally considered safe to use. Side effects are mild and may include redness and mild pain at the treatment site.

Because red light therapy is cleared by the FDA, there are many red light treatment options available. Devices used in doctors’ offices are the most powerful. They are also the safest option, as they are administered by a healthcare professional. You can also get treatment at spas or nonmedical facilities, but be cautious. These businesses may follow the same strict safety standards as healthcare settings. Make sure you can trust the person providing the treatment.

Precautions for At-Home Devices

At-home devices are marketed for cosmetic use only and are less powerful than clinical devices. Options include handheld wands, face masks, and more. While convenient, they may not deliver the same results. Caution is needed when using these devices at home. Exposing your eyes to red light may cause damage.

Additionally, overuse or exposure to high-intensity red light may cause skin burns. Safe and responsible treatment is key to avoiding these potential risks. It’s important to know that certain skin conditions, such as lupus, and medications may make your skin more sensitive to light. In these cases, red light treatment may cause damage to the skin and isn’t advised.

Recommendations From the American Academy of Dermatology

Given the potential risks, the American Academy of Dermatology offers the following advice for anyone considering red light therapy:

• Choose an FDA-cleared device.
• Follow the instructions carefully.
• Wear proper eye protection to avoid damage.
• Always check with your doctor or dermatologist before starting treatment. They can help you choose the best treatment option for you.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On myHSteam, the social network for people with hidradenitis suppurativa and their loved ones, more than 46,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with hidradenitis suppurativa.

Are you living with hidradenitis suppurativa? Have you tried red light therapy? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.