Is Red Light Therapy Good for Hives?

Introduction to Red Light Therapy for Hives

Hives, medically referred to as urticaria, are rashes that take the form of red or flesh-colored welts on the skin. They are itchy and can cause inflammation and a stinging sensation. For hives, various traditional treatments exist, such as antihistamines and creams. These treatments offer quick relief but do not cure the underlying cause. Due to this, individuals are now trying safer and more effective treatments, with red light therapy being rated as one of the best methods. Drawing from AI-analyzed data from 2,633 positive human-focused studies (2025 edition), we've integrated wavelength success rates and pre-built modes from our Total Spectrum devices for targeted anti-inflammatory skin support.

This treatment involves the use of low wavelengths of near-infrared and red light that penetrate deeply into the skin to trigger natural healing processes. It can minimize inflammation and support skin recovery by enhancing energy production, soothing irritation, and improving blood flow. This can be beneficial for many skin conditions, from acne to rosacea.

Here, you will discover whether red light therapy is beneficial for hives, how to use it, and how it can help you combat this chronic skin condition.

What are Hives: Causes and Symptoms

Hives are a skin rash that manifests as itchy, elevated bumps. They result from allergic reactions, stress, or other causes. Sometimes they are short-lived, but in other instances, they persist for months or recur repeatedly. Chronic hives are even more annoying since they keep coming back.

Causes of Hives

1. Food allergies, medication allergies, or insect bites: Common triggers releasing histamine, causing rapid onset.
2. Emotional or stress triggers: Stress hormones can exacerbate immune responses leading to flares.
3. Environmental reasons like cold, heat, or sunlight: Physical stimuli provoke mast cell degranulation.
4. Medical infections or chronic illnesses like fibroids: Underlying conditions amplify inflammatory pathways.
5. Chemical substances such as soaps or cosmetics: Irritants that can also trigger perioral dermatitis.

Symptoms of Hives

1. Red, flesh-colored skin bumps: Raised welts that may blanch under pressure.
2. Extreme itching, which often increases at night, disrupting sleep.
3. Swelling or a tingling sensation in the affected area, sometimes with angioedema.

Most instances of hives are short-term, but chronic hives should be addressed medically if they last longer than six weeks.

How Red Light Therapy Works for Skin Conditions

Red light therapy has achieved jaw-dropping success in the cosmetics and dermatology industry. This therapy not only opposes aging effects but also makes your skin healthy, smooth, and strong naturally.

It is a non-invasive, pain-free therapy utilizing specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light. They penetrate the skin without causing damage and stimulate the body's own healing process. The magic begins when mitochondria absorb this therapeutic light, discharging more ATP, the chemical energy that triggers cellular repair. This allows skin cells to heal faster and leads to cell turnover.

Moreover, red light therapy enhances the circulation of blood to the skin, supplying cells with more oxygen and nutrients. It also reduces redness and inflammation. In addition, it naturally restores skin health by triggering collagen and elastin formation, making the skin smooth and firm. For hives, it stabilizes mast cells, potentially reducing histamine release and cytokine-driven inflammation.

Is Red Light Therapy Good for Hives?

Yes, red light therapy is useful for hives since it can heal many skin problems from the inside out. Hives are caused by inflammation and increased production of histamine. Red light therapy can suppress inflammation naturally by inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. While traditional treatments provide temporary relief, red light therapy works differently by using frequencies of light that induce mitochondrial activity to calm an overactive immune system, reduce inflammation, and increase blood flow. A 2024 study showed 640 nm LLLT significantly reduced histamine-induced itch and flare by 13.9% on VAS scales.

You can use this therapy to control urticaria outbreaks, reduce pain, and promote long-term skin health. It can also be a helpful tool for other inflammatory skin issues, like rashes or atopic dermatitis. User reports, including a January 2025 X post, highlight RLT's role in healing chronic urticaria from vaccine reactions, emphasizing its long-term benefits over pharmaceuticals.

Scientific Research and Evidence

Scientific studies have indicated that red light therapy is effective for hives. It has been proven to reduce inflammation, enhance skin healing, and support the immune response, all essential aspects of hives treatment. Research also suggests that it decreases inflammation by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokine production. While direct trials are limited, evidence from related pruritus and mast cell studies supports its use, with mixed results on cytokine modulation depending on parameters—some showing anti-inflammatory effects, others cautionary increases in PBMCs.

Clinical Studies on Red Light Therapy for Hives

Study 1: Immediate Whealing Urticaria in Red Light Exposed Areas During Photodynamic Therapy

Objective: This research sought to determine the frequency of immediate whealing urticaria (hives) during photodynamic therapy (PDT) using red light. [1]

Results: Among 1,353 PDT-treated patients, only 0.9% exhibited immediate hives. The reaction was transient, mild, and responded well to antihistamines, permitting the use of PDT without difficulty.

Conclusion: Acute whealing urticaria with PDT is uncommon but may be seen. The reaction is manageable, allowing PDT to be continued safely.

Study 2: A Controlled Trial to Determine the Efficacy of Red and Near-Infrared Light Treatment in Patient Satisfaction, Reduction of Fine Lines, Wrinkles, Skin Roughness, and Intradermal Collagen Density Increase

Objective: This research was intended to evaluate the safety and efficacy of two novel light sources for full-body application to enhance collagen content and skin appearance. [2]

Results: Treated subjects after 30 sessions presented with visible improvements in skin complexion, smoother texture, and higher collagen density.

Conclusion: Both new light sources were safe and effective in rejuvenating skin and enhancing collagen. Red light alone continues to be very effective in enhancing the appearance and texture of the skin.

Study 3: The Effect of Photobiomodulation on Histamine and Mucuna pruriens-Induced Pruritus, Hyperknesis and Alloknesis in Healthy Volunteers (2024)

Objective: To assess LLLT's efficacy in alleviating histamine-induced pruritus and related sensations.

Results: In 17 volunteers, 640 nm LLLT (175 mW/cm², 6 min) reduced itch intensity by 13.9 VAS points (p=0.001), alloknesis by 0.80 cm (p=0.001), hyperknesis by 0.48 (p=0.01), and flare area by 0.18 cm² (p=0.001) in histamine model; no effect on non-histamine model.

Conclusion: LLLT effectively mitigates histamine-driven itch relevant to hives, suggesting peripheral and central modulation.

Study 4: Impact of Photobiomodulation Therapy on Pro-Inflammatory Functionality of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (2024)

Objective: To test PBMT's effect on PBMC cytokine production.

Results: Dual-wavelength PBMT (808 nm continuous, 905 nm pulsed) increased IL-1β, CCL2, and CCL3 mRNA/protein in PBMCs at various doses, indicating potential pro-inflammatory stimulation.

Conclusion: PBMT parameters critically influence immunomodulation; caution advised for inflammatory conditions like hives to avoid exacerbating cytokines.

Note: Direct hives trials are emerging; related inflammation/pruritus studies support cautious, parameter-optimized use.

Optimized Total Spectrum Mode for Hives

For inflammatory skin like hives, use the Skin & Anti Aging mode on our Total Spectrum devices, emphasizing red light for surface calming and low NIR to minimize potential cytokine risks.

Key Wavelength Insights for Skin Inflammation (from 2,633 Positive Human Studies)

Summary: Blue (15.37%), Red (44.45%), NIR (18.80%), 1064 nm (0%). Prioritize 630-660 nm for anti-histamine effects; monitor for sensitivity.

Duration: 10 mins | Pulse: OFF | Beginner Distance: 3+ feet away. Apply to affected areas; combine with low-histamine diet for best results.

Choosing the Right Red Light Therapy Device for Hives Management

Key Features to Look for in an Effective Device for Skin Health

When buying a quality device, consider these characteristics:

Specific Wavelengths: The device should produce red light between 610–670 nm and near-infrared light between 810–1064 nm, focusing on 633-660 nm for inflammation.

FDA-Approved: Your device must be FDA-approved to ensure it is reliable and functions efficiently.

Adequate Power Irradiance: The device should provide sufficient power irradiance to allow the light to penetrate deeply into your tissues.

User-Friendly Features: Look for features like adjustable intensity, portability, and hands-free operation. For targeted treatment, a smaller device like the TotalSpectrum Mini can be very useful.

Total Spectrum Devices: Comprehensive Red Light Therapy for Skin Recovery

Overview of the Total Spectrum Series for Hives Relief

RLT Home produces a series of high-quality red light therapy devices that are safe and effective for home use. All RLT Home products are FDA-approved and have other safety ratings like CE and RoHS. They are strong enough to deliver the light to penetrate deep into tissues with no energy loss. For full body coverage to address widespread hives, a larger panel like the TotalSpectrum MAX is a great choice. The Skin & Anti Aging mode is pre-optimized for hives, balancing red for mast cell stabilization.

Best Practices for Using Red Light Therapy for Hives

Finding the Right Dosage: Frequency, Session Length, and Distance

To use red light therapy successfully, you must be aware of the correct dosage. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions, such as our official usage guide.

Frequency: Most experts suggest starting with 3–5 sessions per week for acute flares.

Session Duration: Each session typically takes 10–20 minutes per area.

Distance from Skin: The optimal distance is between 6 and 12 inches away from the skin; closer for targeted spots.

Integrate with trigger avoidance and low-histamine diets; monitor for any increased sensitivity per 2024 PBMC study.

Conclusion: Can Red Light Therapy Help with Hives?

Is Red Light Therapy Good for Hives?

Yes, red light therapy is good for hives because it reduces inflammation and calms an overactive immune system. It naturally soothes the skin, decreasing swelling, redness, and irritation. It's a safe, non-invasive, and drug-free way to help with overall skin wellness while addressing chronic hives and other conditions like shingles or erythema. Emerging 2025 evidence reinforces its role in histamine modulation.

What Are the Side Effects of Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy is generally safe. However, personal errors can sometimes lead to mild issues. Overusing it or placing the device too close to the skin may cause mild irritation or redness. Direct light exposure to the eyes can also lead to strain. Rare pro-inflammatory responses noted in PBMC studies; adjust parameters if flares occur.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can light therapy help with hives?

Yes, light therapy, especially red light therapy, helps with hives by reducing inflammation and calming an overactive immune response.

How do you flush hives out of your body?

You can help manage hives by staying hydrated, avoiding triggers, and maintaining a healthy diet that supports your immune system. You may also want to explore how RLT can support lymphatic drainage.

Does red light therapy reduce histamine?

Yes, red light therapy can help reduce histamine levels by calming the overactive immune response, which helps decrease inflammation and itching associated with hives, as shown in 2024 pruritus trials.

Can RLT worsen hives?

Rarely, if parameters stimulate cytokines; start low-dose and monitor, per 2024 PBMC research.