Low-Level Laser Therapy for Herpesvirus Infections: A Narrative Literature Review

Abstract

Introduction: Herpesvirus infection has a variety of clinical forms and is extremely widespread in the world while existing treatment methods are not always quite effective. The search for new treatment modalities is a relevant problem and numerous studies show the therapeutic effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on different herpesvirus types. Methods: The mechanisms of laser light action and the impact of LLLT on the pathological pathways of herpes infections are described. A narrative review of the relevant papers is conducted. Results: The reviewed studies confirm that LLLT is a potential prospective treatment method for patients infected with the herpesvirus. However, it is necessary to improve the methodology and optimize the combination of laser action with antiviral medications. Conclusion: The review shows that it is most effective to combine laser impact on skin lesions with the application of topical antiviral gels or creams, additionally using a combined procedure of laser ultraviolet blood illumination (LUVBI, 365-405 nm) + intravenous laser blood irradiation (ILBI, 525 nm).