Red Light Therapy for Shingles Nerve Pain (Postherpetic Neuralgia): Does It Help?

Short answer: Early, small studies suggest low-level red and near-infrared light may ease the burning, stabbing nerve pain that lingers after shingles (postherpetic neuralgia), and it's gentle enough to try alongside your regular pain plan — but it's not a substitute for antiviral treatment or your doctor's guidance.

If you've had shingles, you know the rash usually fades in a few weeks. What doesn't always fade is the pain. When burning, electric, or stabbing pain sticks around in that same band of skin for three months or longer, it's called postherpetic neuralgia, or PHN. It's the most common complication of shingles, and it can be exhausting — the skin is often so sensitive that a bedsheet or a shirt collar feels unbearable.

A lot of people search for gentler options after the usual round of creams, nerve pain medications, and patches hasn't fully worked. Red light therapy keeps coming up in that search. Here's what the research actually shows, and how to think about trying it.

What is postherpetic neuralgia, exactly?

Postherpetic neuralgia is nerve pain that continues after a shingles rash has healed, caused by damage the virus leaves behind in the nerve fibers under the skin. It's usually described as burning, aching, or sudden stabbing pain, sometimes with extreme sensitivity to light touch (called allodynia) in the same area the rash covered — often a band on the torso, or around one eye or side of the face.

Can red light therapy help with shingles nerve pain?

Short answer: some small clinical studies point to meaningful pain reduction, though the research base is still limited. A pilot study published in Lasers in Medical Science looked at low-level laser therapy in patients with established postherpetic neuralgia and reported a significant drop in pain scores compared to patients who didn't receive it. Separately, research published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology explored whether applying low-level laser early — while the shingles rash is still active — might lower the odds of PHN developing in the first place, an angle that's still being studied rather than settled.

Zooming out from shingles specifically, a broader systematic review of randomized clinical trials on photobiomodulation for chronic pain found consistent signals of benefit across several nerve-related pain conditions, which lines up with what researchers believe is happening at a cellular level: red and near-infrared light appears to calm overactive pain signaling in damaged nerve fibers and support the mitochondrial energy processes cells need to repair themselves. None of this makes red light therapy a cure for PHN — think of it as a low-risk tool worth adding to a broader pain plan, not a replacement for one.

How would I actually use it for shingles nerve pain?

Most people apply light directly to the affected band of skin for roughly 10–20 minutes a session, several times a week, holding the device close to (but not touching, if the skin is still sensitive) the treatment area. Because PHN pain often follows a narrow strip — a rib line, a hip, one side of the forehead — a handheld device is usually easier to aim precisely than a large panel. If the affected area is wide, such as a large section of the back, the FX300 panel can cover more surface at once.

Consistency seems to matter more than intensity. Skipping around from once a week to daily and back rarely gives a fair test — most of the research protocols used a steady schedule over several weeks before assessing results.

Is red light therapy safe if my skin is still sensitive from shingles?

Short answer: it's generally considered gentle, but sensitive or broken skin needs extra caution. Red light therapy devices don't produce the heat or UV that would irritate healing skin, which is part of why they're explored for post-shingles care. Still, if your rash hasn't fully healed, or the skin is blistered, cracked, or actively weeping, check with your doctor or dermatologist before starting — you want the skin barrier reasonably intact first. If you're on any medication that increases light sensitivity, it's worth a quick read of our guide on red light therapy and photosensitizing medications before you begin.

Does insurance or my FSA/HSA cover a device for this?

Short answer: red light therapy devices are generally FSA/HSA eligible when purchased for a medical purpose like pain relief, which shingles-related nerve pain qualifies as. Some plans want a simple letter of medical necessity from your provider on file, though many FSA/HSA cards will process an eligible device automatically. See our full walkthrough on how to pay for red light therapy with your FSA or HSA for the specifics.

Frequently asked questions

How long does postherpetic neuralgia usually last?

It varies widely. For many people, PHN fades within a few months, but for others it can persist for a year or longer, especially if pain was severe during the initial rash. Earlier treatment of the shingles outbreak itself is generally linked to a lower risk of long-lasting nerve pain.

Can I use red light therapy while I still have an active shingles rash?

Ask your doctor first. Some of the early research looked at applying low-level laser during the active rash phase, but you want a clinician confirming your skin and overall infection status before adding anything new to that stage of treatment.

How soon might I notice a difference?

Research protocols generally ran for several weeks before measuring results, so it's reasonable to give a consistent routine at least 3–4 weeks before deciding whether it's helping. Some people notice a difference sooner; nerve pain is unpredictable.

Is red light therapy a replacement for my nerve pain medication?

No. It's best thought of as an adjunct — something used alongside whatever your doctor has already recommended, not instead of it. Never stop or change a prescribed pain medication without talking to your provider.

Which AWA device is best for a band of nerve pain on the torso?

For a narrow, well-defined strip of pain, the Handheld device (dual 660/850nm) is easiest to aim precisely. If the affected area is broad, the FX300 panel covers more skin per session. You can always compare options with our device finder quiz.

Does light therapy work through clothing or bandages?

No — for red and near-infrared light to reach the skin and nerve tissue, the treatment area needs to be uncovered. Light a shirt or bandage significantly reduces how much actually reaches your skin.

Living with shingles pain that won't quit is genuinely hard, and it's reasonable to want options beyond another prescription. Red light therapy won't erase postherpetic neuralgia, but the early research is encouraging enough that it's a reasonable, low-risk addition to try — ideally with your doctor in the loop.

Lights on, pain off.

This article is for general education and is not medical advice. Red light therapy devices are intended for general wellness and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always check with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.