Light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation (lasers) is a device that typically generates electromagnetic radiation of uniform wavelength, phase, and polarization. The term low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) is broadly defined as the therapeutic benefit of lasers. This review aims to discuss the positive effects of LLLT on skin wounds, diabetic foot ulcers, and burn healing. Different LLLT protocols have been widely used as treatment for these conditions to accelerate tissue regenerative processes. We have classified eligible papers in the fields of skin wounds, ulcers, and burns into in vivo and in vitro experimental studies and clinical trials that evaluated the use of LLLT as treatments that promote healing. An electronic search of scientific peer reviewed papers was conducted in the PubMed database. Our search has shown that the use of LLLT in biology and medicine is growing rapidly, and advancements in LLLT research dramatically improved the clinicians’ ability to safely and effectively treat wounds and ulcers. There is increased clinical use of laser for wound and ulcer treatment. Several recent studies have confirmed the potential beneficial effects of LLLT for wound healing.
Part of the book: Wound Healing
Wound healing is an active and compound biological course which can be divided into four steps: hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. Diabetes mellitus induces weakened wound healing by disturbing one or more of the biological functions of these steps. Diabetic foot ulcers result from the simultaneous action of multiple disturbing causes. Mesenchymal stem cells, especially autologous ones, are easily accessible with noninvasive methods and have been shown to provide a regenerative microenvironment at wound sites. Despite current knowledge, major hurdles remain to be overcome in order to achieve effective therapeutic effects. Photobiomodulation is the use of light to reduce pain and inflammation and stimulate healing and the proliferation of stem cells, which would be very useful in increasing stem cell function and in regenerative medicine. The current study analyzes the results of studies using separate and combined administrations of stem cells and photobiomodulation on diabetic wound healing in patients and animal models. We hypothesize that the combined application of photobiomodulation and stem cells will accelerate the repair process and assist the healing of foot ulcers in diabetes mellitus patients.
Part of the book: Recent Advances in Wound Healing