Many individuals may experience fungal growth in different areas of their bodies, especially in dark and moist body parts. Here we will discuss how light therapy can help in treating fungal infections.
Red light therapy combined with photosensitizing drugs can effectively kill fungus cells and repair associated damages. We will discuss the process in detail right below.
Table of Contents
Light Therapy for Fungal Infections
Dark and moist places are the most suitable environments for fungus to grow. As fungi are parasitic, they collect nutrients from the host body. If the host is alive and does not get enough nutrients, it can suffer significant damage and develop infections where the fungus has grown.
In the case of human bodies, most fungi affect the areas under nails, especially in the feet. Light can’t often reach under the nails, and water can easily deposit under them without the person’s knowledge. Therefore, the flesh underneath nails makes the perfect place for fungus to grow.
However, with better quality light therapy devices, you can combat toenail fungus.
When light falls upon the human body, it increases metabolism and cellular activities in the body. Therefore, the body cells can repair damages, rejuvenate, and replicate healthy growth. Thus, fungus-infected body cells can get repaired.
Let’s discuss it in more detail:
Red Light and NIR Light Therapy
Researchers have developed a treatment for onychomycosis infections with infrared leasers called photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT). This therapy involves a combination of a photosensitizing drug and specific light wavelengths.
This treatment measure uses a 600 – 690 nm red light spectrum to activate the photosensitizing drug. The microbial cells can be targeted selectively and destroyed when the drug and light wavelengths are combined.
When these microbial cells are destroyed, the surrounding healthy cells can actively repair themselves and can replicate healthy growth.
There is still a lot of research that needs to be done to establish this procedure as a certified treatment option. However, the process has been known to researchers for many years. As antibiotic-resistant pathogens are rising, PACT is receiving significant attention in treating fungal infections.
How does PACT Work?
To initiate PACT, a photosynthesizing drug is injected into the patient’s body. The drug is inactivated, safe for the human body, and works as a dye to the fungi cells’ cell wall.
When the appropriate light wavelength is administered in the affected area, the photosynthesizing drug is activated. The activated dye makes the fungi cells hypersensitive and starts to produce free radicals.
As the fungi cells come in contact with the free radicals, they go through irreversible cellular damage. However, healthy body cells are kept untouched by the ions.
High-powered LED light sources are used to deliver enough light irradiance. LED light bulbs ensure that the body is receiving the perfect amount of light energy.
Case Study
There was a study done in 2004 on nine patients with interdigital mycosis. These patients had infections between their toes due to bacteria or yeasts.
To address their condition, photosensitizing acid and red light therapy were used together. Among the nine patients, six of them recovered from their yeast infection with four treatment sessions.
However, no additional research has been done after the success of this treatment procedure. Also, a few of the test patients had experienced the recurrence of their skin condition after four weeks.
Can at-home Light Therapy Address Fungal Infection?
The photosensitizing agents used in PACT are not available to the public. Also, additional research is needed before this treatment can be safely administered at home.
However, red light and near-infrared light therapy devices have proved healing properties. When users expose themselves to those light wavelengths, the body gains additional energy to fight off fungus cells and induce healthy cell growth.
Therefore, patients can get several health benefits from at-home red light therapy. However, if it will help in reducing fungal infection is still debatable.
Bottom Line
Red light therapy has several health benefits supported by numerous studies and research. Therefore, anyone can get a light therapy device for their at-home use and get all the therapeutic benefits.
PACT is still considered an emerging technology. However, additional research is needed to ensure the best health results from it. However, with the healing properties of light therapies, users can easily address their fungal infections and lead a healthy life.
While getting a light therapy device, users will need to ensure that they emit the right light wavelengths. Otherwise, there will be no therapeutic benefits for the user.
A good red light therapy device emitting all the necessary light wavelengths will give users additional health benefits. It will start work in the cellular levels, improve the overall circulation, reduce inflammation, improve skin conditions, and get rid of muscle and joint pain. So, get the best-suited light therapy device and start a journey towards wellness.
Leave a Reply