Low-power laser light in the healing of burns: A comparison between two different wavelengths (635 nm and 690 nm) and a placebo group

Background and Objective: Studies on the influence of low-power laser light on wound healing have shown inconsistent results, or, as in the case of bu rns, are very scarce. We have studied the effects of two different low-powe r diode laser lights on the healing of burns in rats. Study Design/Materials and Methods: Thirty rats were burned on both flanks and randomly allocated to one of three study groups. In group A, both wound s remained untreated; in groups B and C, one wound each was irradiated with 635 nm or 690 nm laser light (1.5 J/cm(2)), whereas the other wound remain ed untreated. Diameter, redness, and edema of the wounds were examined dail y. Results: Between and within groups, diameter, redness, and edema of the wou nds were similar throughout the entire observation period. Irradiation of t he burns did not accelerate wound healing when compared with control wounds . Conclusion: We conclude that neither 690 nm nor 635 nm low-power laser ligh t produced any beneficial effects on the healing processes of burns in rats . (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.