Low-level laser treatment for herpes – Faster healing at home
If you suffer from recurrent cold sores, you know how frustrating the limited effectiveness of conventional treatments can be. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) can offer an alternative approach: research indicates it may favorably influence symptom course and support regeneration. In this article I explain how the treatment works, what scientific studies say, and how you can apply it at home.
What is herpes and why does it recur?
Cold sores (herpes labialis) are caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). After the initial infection the virus remains in the body — it “sleeps” in nerve cells and can reactivate due to various triggers.
Common triggers:
- Stress and fatigue
- Weakened immune system
- Sun exposure (UV)
- Menstruation
- Fever, illness
- Mechanical irritation of the lips
Symptoms typically begin with tingling and itching, followed by painful blisters. Conventional methods — such as acyclovir cream — may have limited effectiveness, and symptoms usually last 7–14 days.
How can the low-level laser help?
Low-level laser therapy (photobiomodulation) uses low-intensity light that can support cellular-level processes. For herpes treatment it may exert beneficial effects through several mechanisms:
- Supporting tissue regeneration: Laser light can support fibroblast function and collagen synthesis
- Anti-inflammatory effect: It can favorably influence inflammatory processes
- Pain relief: It may contribute to endorphin release
- Improving local blood circulation: It can support tissue oxygenation
What do scientific studies show?
Numerous clinical trials have investigated the effect of low-level laser therapy on herpes. The results are noteworthy.
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, the laser-treated group had a relapse-free period with a median of 37.5 weeks, compared to 3 weeks in the placebo group — a statistically significant difference (p<0.0001). The researchers used an 690 nm wavelength laser with 80 mW output, applying treatment for 10 minutes per point.
A 2018 systematic review evaluated six clinical trials, and every included study reported favorable outcomes — low-level laser therapy appeared to support regeneration and may have contributed to reduced recurrences, without side effects.
In a 2017 comparative study the laser-treated group's healing time was on average 2.2 days, while the acyclovir cream group averaged 3.4 days.
Detailed case study: We documented a patient with recurrent cold sores with photos. With low-level laser treatment the symptoms significantly eased within 48 hours. Read the full case study →
How to perform the treatment at home?
Low-level laser treatment for herpes is simple, but there are some important considerations.
When to start?
Experience shows it is best to begin treatment during the prodromal phase — when you only feel tingling or itching. However, it is also worth using during the blister phase.
Treatment protocol
| Parameter | Recommended value |
|---|---|
| Wavelength | 660 nm (red) – for superficial skin treatment or 808 nm (infrared) – for superficial and deeper treatment |
| Treatment time | 2–3 minutes per session |
| Frequency | 2–3 times daily during the acute phase |
| Technique | Scanning – slowly moving over the blister and surrounding area |
| Energy | 4–6 J/cm² |
Practical tips
- Clean the affected area before treatment
- Place the laser directly on the skin or hold it a few millimeters above it
- Wear protective goggles (do not look into the laser beam!)
- The treatment is painless – at most you may feel mild warmth
- Continue treatment until symptoms resolve
Supporting prevention of recurrences
Low-level laser can be used not only for acute symptom treatment but also to support prevention. If you feel the initial tingling, start treatment immediately — experience suggests in many cases the blister can be prevented from forming.
In a 3-year follow-up study, patients receiving preventive low-level laser treatment experienced fewer recurrences.
Recommended devices
For cold sore treatment, red wavelength lasers around 660 nm or 808 nm infrared lasers are suitable because they exert their effect in surface skin tissues.
- Personal Laser L400 – 808 nm, 400 mW, compact size, suitable for face and lip area treatment
- Personal Laser L200 – 660 nm, 200 mW, smaller, portable version
Before you start treatment
For safe use it is important to know the contraindications.
When NOT to use?
- Directly into the eye (always wear protective goggles!)
- Over cancerous areas
- If the blister is infected (purulent) – in this case see a doctor
- During pregnancy, facial use is generally considered safe, but consult your physician
Detailed information about contraindications: Contraindications of low-level laser therapy
Possible side effects
Low-level laser treatment is generally well tolerated. Rarely the following may occur:
- Mild, temporary skin redness
- Mild warming sensation during treatment
Important: If herpes symptoms are severe, occur frequently (multiple times per month), or spread to other areas of the face, consult a dermatologist!
Other applications of low-level laser
Low-level laser therapy can support treatment of many other conditions and complaints. For an overview of all home-use applications read the Low-level laser therapy at home – Treatable conditions article.
If you are not familiar with the basics of low-level laser therapy, start with the Comprehensive guide to low-level laser therapy article.
Summary – Quick overview
What is this article? A guide to treating cold sores with a home device using low-level laser.
Who is it for? People suffering from recurrent cold sores seeking an adjunct treatment option.
Main message: Research suggests low-level laser therapy can favorably influence the course of herpes symptoms and support regeneration — safely, without side effects. The treatment does not replace medical advice.
Frequently asked questions:
Can low-level laser be effective for herpes?
Clinical trials indicate healing time can be favorably affected — based on experience, it may shorten recovery from 7–14 days to as little as 2–4 days.
When is it most effective?
If you start treatment at the first sign of tingling — experience shows in many cases the blister can be prevented from forming.
Does the treatment hurt?
No, low-level laser treatment is painless.
What device is suitable?
A laser with a red wavelength around 660 nm (e.g. Personal Laser L400).
Sources
- Schindl A, Neumann R. (1999). Low-intensity laser therapy is an effective treatment for recurrent herpes simplex infection. Results from a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study. J Invest Dermatol. PubMed: 10469307
- Al-Maweri SA, et al. (2018). Efficacy of low-level laser therapy in management of recurrent herpes labialis: a systematic review. Lasers Med Sci. PubMed: 29802585
- Honarmand M, et al. (2017). Comparing the effect of diode laser against acyclovir cream for the treatment of herpes labialis. J Clin Exp Dent. PubMed: 28638546
- Muñoz Sanchez PJ, et al. (2012). The effect of 670-nm low laser therapy on herpes simplex type 1. Photomed Laser Surg. PubMed: 22047597
- Eduardo CP, et al. (2012). Prevention of recurrent herpes labialis outbreaks through low-intensity laser therapy: a clinical protocol with 3-year follow-up. Lasers Med Sci. PubMed: 22002328
The information in this article is for informational purposes only. Home therapeutic devices are intended to complement medical treatment and do not replace specialist care. For frequently recurring or severe herpes, consult a dermatologist.
