In older adults, skin loses elasticity, thins out, and becomes increasingly vulnerable to breakdown. For many elderly individuals, especially those with limited mobility or chronic illness, pressure ulcers are an all-too-familiar consequence of prolonged immobility. However, recent advances in non-invasive care are offering renewed hope. The advantages of red light therapy (RLT) have been found to be promising in treating pressure ulcers.
If you or someone close to you is managing ageing-related wounds such as pressure ulcers, understanding the potential of RLT could change both the care experience and the healing outcome.
Pressure ulcers, often referred to as bedsores or decubitus ulcers, occur when sustained pressure reduces blood flow to certain areas of the skin. Without adequate circulation, tissues become starved of oxygen and nutrients, eventually dying off. Commonly affected areas include the tailbone, heels, hips, and shoulders—anywhere prolonged pressure is applied when a person is confined to a bed or chair.
Despite advances in repositioning strategies, mattress technology, and wound care, healing can still be slow. That's where photobiomodulation (PBM)—specifically RLT—enters the conversation.
RLT utilises specific wavelengths of light—typically in the range of 630 to 660 nanometres—to stimulate biological processes at a cellular level. When applied to the skin, red light penetrates the epidermis and reaches the dermis, where it interacts with mitochondria, the energy powerhouses of your cells.
This link boosts the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which drives cellular activity and repair. RLT enhances tissue regeneration by stimulating fibroblast proliferation, improving microcirculation, and controlling inflammation.
Ageing skin presents a unique set of challenges. Reduced collagen synthesis, slower cellular turnover, and compromised immune response can all hinder wound healing. The advantages of red light therapy address these vulnerabilities in several ways:
Collagen is critical for skin structure and repair. PBM stimulates type I and III collagen production, which helps strengthen skin and close wounds faster.
Red light induces vasodilation in small blood vessels, improving circulation to the ulcer site. Better blood flow means more oxygen and nutrients are delivered to the wound, which is essential for cell regeneration.
Chronic inflammation impedes healing. RLT has been shown to reduce the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-α, which helps shift the wound environment toward one that supports healing rather than stagnation.
Keratinocytes and fibroblasts—the cells responsible for wound closure, migrate more effectively when exposed to red light, speeding up re-epithelialisation and tissue remodelling.
In a randomised controlled trial involving 74 senior individuals with stage 2 and 3 pressure ulcers, RLT treatment resulted in a 50% faster healing rate over 10 weeks, reduced ulcer pain, and improved skin integrity.
Notably, RLT is non-thermal, which means it does not cause tissue damage through heat. This makes it ideal for delicate, ageing skin, where thermal treatments may be risky.
Today's advancements in light-emitting diode (LED) technology have made RLT devices compact, portable, and safe for home use. For caregivers and family members looking after elderly loved ones, incorporating RLT into a daily care routine can be seamless.
If you're managing pressure ulcer care at home, consistency is key. Sessions typically range from 10 to 20 minutes per area, and frequency may vary depending on wound severity. However, it is crucial to choose medical-grade equipment with therapeutically relevant wavelengths and energy output—something ROJO Light Therapy EU excels at.
Pressure ulcers are more than just surface-level wounds, they can signify a decline in independence, health, and quality of life. But you don't have to accept slow healing and discomfort as inevitable.
The advantages of red light therapy offer a way to support the body's natural healing processes without drugs, invasive procedures, or complicated equipment. For elderly individuals or those involved in their care, it's a tool that bridges modern science with compassionate, effective treatment.
If you're looking to enhance pressure ulcer care for an elderly loved one, ROJO Light Therapy EU offers certified, medically designed RLT devices tailored for safe and effective use. Backed by research and engineered for reliability, our systems bring clinical-grade technology into the comfort of your home.
Explore our whole range online and discover how the advantages of red light therapy can become an essential component of your wound care plan.
