Significance of Low-level Laser Therapy (LLLT) in Treating Scald Burns

Abstract

Scald wounds caused by burns are a typical issue that surgeons in plastic surgery deal with. There are multiple factors that can contribute to a wound becoming non-healing and failing to progress towards recovery. However, at present no technique has been extensively utilized to speed up recovery from wounds. Various modalities are used to accelerate the rate of healing, such as platelet rich plasma, local infiltration of insulin, irritant substances, laser therapy etc. The present article focused on the application of low-level laser therapy in the management of scald burns. ‘Light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation’, also known as low-level laser therapy, makes use of electromagnetic waves with a density of electromagnetic energy of less than 1500 mW/cm2. Unlike laser treatments for cutting or ablation, low-level laser therapy employs much lower energy levels. It is a type of phototherapy that interacts with living tissues, producing photochemical and photophysical effects without generating heat. The goal of low-level laser therapy is to restore cellular homeostasis. Lowlevel laser therapy has been successfully utilized in various fields, including the healing of diabetic and pressure ulcers. It accelerates the wound healing process by enhancing tissue perfusion, promoting fibroblast proliferation, and increasing collagen synthesis. The purpose of the present case report was to introduce low-level laser therapy as a therapeutic approach for improving the prognosis and healing of scald burns.