Abstract: Objective To investigate the effect of red light irradiation therapy on postherpetic neuralgia and the improvement in the life quality of patients. Methods Ninety patients with postherpetic neuralgia diagnosed and treated in our hospital from January 2013 to August 2016 were randomly divided into red light irradiation group (n=45) and control group (n=45). The control group was given gabapentin 400 mg once daily for 14 days. On the basis of routine drug treatment,the red light irradiation group was treated with red light irradiation for 15-30 minutes, once daily for 10 days. The serum levels of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6 and IL-10 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The intensity of pain was evaluated by VAS score, and the quality of life was assessed by DLQI. Results Before treatment, there were no significant differences in serum levels of IL-2, IL-6 and IL-10 between two groups. After treatment, the serum levels of IL-2 and IL-10 were significantly higher in red light irradiation group than those of the control group (P＜0.05), and the level of IL-6 was significantly lower in red light irradiation group than that of the control group (P＜0.05). Before treatment, there was no significant difference in the VAS score between the two groups. After treatment, the VAS score was significantly lower in the red light irradiation group than that of the control group (P＜0.05). Before treatment, there were no significant differences in DLQI scores between the two groups. After treatment, the DLQI scores were significantly lower in the red light irradiation group than those in the control group (P＜0.05). Conclusion The treatment of postherpetic neuralgia with red light irradiation can provide effective relief of pain and improve the life quality of patients.

Key words: herpes, banded, neuralgia, herpes zoster, interleukin, quality of life, red light irradiation