Effects of helium-neon laser on wound healing.

To estimate the biostimulatory effects of low intensity laser radiation on healing of skin wounds, two linear skin wounds were produced on either side of dorsal midline in rats and immediately sutured. Wounds on the left side were irradiated daily with helium neon laser at 4 Joules/sq.cm for 5 min., while those on right side were not exposed and served as controls. The mean time required for complete closure in control group was 7 days while irradiated test wounds took only 5 days to heal (P < 0.01). The mean breaking strength, as measured by the ability of the wound to resist rupture against force, was found to be significantly increased in the test group. Early epithelization, increased fibroblastic reaction, leucocytic infiltration and neovascularization were seen in the laser irradiated wounds. The results establish the biostimulatory effects of low intensity laser radiation on healing of skin wounds.