Visible Light-Induced Healing of Diabetic or Venous Foot Ulcers: A Placebo-Controlled Double-Blind Study

Abstract Background and objectives: Non-healing ulcers represent a significant dermatological problem. Recently, conventional therapy-resistant chronic ulcers have been treated with low energy lasers or light-emitting diodes in the visible and near IR region, but only a few placebo-controlled double-blind studies have been performed to support the efficacy of this approach. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of a broadband (400–800 nm) visible light device in the treatment of leg or foot ulcers. Methods: A placebo-controlled double-blind study using broadband light source (400–800 nm) was performed on patients with diabetic foot ulcers or patients with chronic leg ulcers. The treatment group was illuminated with 180 mW/cm2 broadband light twice a day for 4 min/session, while patients in the placebo group received non- healing light fluency (10 mW/cm2) projections. The treatment group included 10 patients with a total of 19 ulcers, whereas in the placebo group, 6 patients had 6 ulcer...