Evidence-based consensus on the clinical application of photobiomodulation.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Expert consensus guideline and Delphi process informed by a systematic review.
PubMed 40253006 · doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2025.04.031
What was done
A systematic literature search of Embase and MEDLINE was conducted in June 2022 to identify publications on photobiomodulation (PBM). An international multidisciplinary panel of 21 experts drafted recommendations based on the search, which were refined through two rounds of Delphi surveys, two consensus meetings, and iterative reviews until unanimous consensus was achieved.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical data, effect sizes, or counts of included literature. The panel unanimously agreed that PBM is safe for adults, red light PBM does not cause DNA damage, and PBM is an effective treatment for androgenic alopecia, peripheral neuropathy, acute radiation dermatitis, decubitus ulcers, diverse wound ulcers, and pain associated with diabetic foot ulcers.
Why it matters
This guideline provides an evidence-based expert consensus framework to help clinicians safely apply photobiomodulation across various medical and aesthetic dermatological conditions.
Limits
The abstract does not state the number of studies included, search inclusion/exclusion criteria, risk of bias assessments, or quantitative effect sizes. Specific device parameters (wavelengths, energy density, treatment duration) are not detailed in the abstract, and final guidance is based on expert consensus.
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