Role Of Low-Level Laser Therapy (Lllt) in the Management of Pediatric Scald Burns

Research Article

Role Of Low-Level Laser Therapy (Lllt) in the Management of Pediatric Scald Burns

Shubham Vijaykumar ¹
Ravi Kumar Chittoria ²
Rashmi V Kumar ³

1Department of Surgery, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, India.
2*Plastic Surgery, Professor & Registrar, Head of IT Wing and Telemedicine, Department of Plastic Surgery & Telemedicine, India.
3General Surgery, Department of Plastic Surgery, Jawaharlal Institute of Post graduate Medical Education and Research, India.

*Corresponding Author: Ravi Kumar Chittoria,Plastic Surgery, Professor & Registrar, Head of IT Wing and Telemedicine, Department of Plastic Surgery & Telemedicine, India.

Citation: Shubham. V, Ravi K. C, Rashmi V. K. (2025). Role Of Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) In the Management of Pediatric Scald Burns. International Journal of Medical Case Reports and Reviews, BioRes Scientia Publishers. 5(1):1-3. DOI: 10.59657/2837-8172.brs.25.071

Copyright: © 2025 Ravi Kumar Chittoria, this is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Received: November 11, 2024 | Accepted: December 16, 2024 | Published: January 06, 2025

Abstract

Wound management starts in the acute phase and extends through the process of scar tissue remodelling. The goal for clinicians is to optimize wound care to support the healing process.1 Various clinical studies have emphasized the benefits of Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) in accelerating tissue repair. This report explores the use of LLLT as a regenerative therapy to enhance healing in pediatric scald burns.

Keywords: low-level laser therapy (lllt); scald burns; pediatric burns

Introduction

Skin grafts are a common surgical technique in Plastic Surgery for wound coverage. Ideally, the donor site should heal without complications or excessive scarring. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), also referred to as Photo biomodulation (PBM), utilizes low-power lasers or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) applied to the skin. Research demonstrates that LLLT supports collagen synthesis, promotes keratinocyte migration, triggers growth factor release, and transforms fibroblasts into myofibroblasts.2 This article explores the use of LLLT to improve wound healing in pediatric scald burns.

Materials and Methods

This study was conducted in the Department of Plastic Surgery at a tertiary care center in South India. The patient was a 7-year-old boy who suffered accidental scald burns affecting the genitalia, both thighs, and the lower abdomen. He suffered around 7% TBSA scald burns. To optimize wound healing at the burn site, Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) was utilized, followed by the application of allograft from his mother.

Results

This study highlights that Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) accelerates the healing process by stimulating keratinocyte migration and differentiation, as well as promoting angiogenesis, which collectively shorten the healing time, and optimized graft take.

Discussion

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) employs significantly lower energy levels compared to those used in procedures like cutting or ablation, with a power density defined as less than 500 mW/cm². It is used as an adjunct to conventional treatments, demonstrating promising outcomes in patients with ulcers. This phototherapy method utilizes electromagnetic radiation, which generates photochemical and photophysical effects without producing heat, aiming to restore cellular equilibrium.3,4 When applied to the skin in a controlled manner, light energy is absorbed by chromophores—specific molecules that convert it into chemical energy.
LLLT offers numerous therapeutic benefits, including accelerating tissue repair, enhancing granulation tissue formation, promoting wound contraction, reducing inflammation, and alleviating pain. Research suggests that low-energy light, particularly at wavelengths between 600 nm and 900 nm, can stimulate cell proliferation and expedite the healing process. These effects are believed to result from the stimulation of respiratory chain components, such as flavins and cytochromes, which enhance ATP synthesis. This increase in ATP production boosts cell division, fibroblast activity, collagen and elastin synthesis, and microcirculation.5 Additionally, it promotes the release of mediators like histamine and serotonin, which support macrophage activity and lymphatic regeneration.
Case studies and clinical trials in humans, supported by animal research, have consistently shown significant improvements in wound healing with LLLT. While the precise mechanisms remain unclear, theories suggest that LLLT enhances fibroblast proliferation and their transformation into myofibroblasts, which are vital for wound contraction and granulation tissue development. Myofibroblasts, combining characteristics of fibroblasts and muscle cells, play a crucial role in reducing wound size during healing.6 Furthermore, LLLT may stimulate the release of growth factors into the bloodstream, potentially influencing adjacent tissues and systemic healing.7 This indirect effect suggests that LLLT could benefit deeper tissues and larger areas of damage, making it a valuable tool for addressing extensive or multifocal injuries.

Figure 1: Application of LLLT over the scald burns in a pediatric patient

Figure 2: Allografting was done after LLLT

Figure 3: Healed wounds

Conclusion

LLLT offers a safe and effective approach to enhance the healing process, providing a valuable addition to conventional therapies. Future research should continue to explore the underlying mechanisms of LLLT and its applications across various wound types to optimize treatment protocols and improve patient outcomes in plastic surgery and wound management in scald burns.

Declarations

None
Authors’ contributions
All authors made contributions to the article
Availability of data and materials
Not applicable
Financial support and sponsorship
None
Consent for publication
Not applicable

References

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