Phototherapy

Phototherapy or light therapy is a method used in the treatment of several medical conditions, including seasonal affective disorder (SAD), psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and neonatal jaundice. The therapy involves exposure to specific wavelengths of light using lasers, LEDs, fluorescent lamps, dichroic lamps, or very bright, full-spectrum light, for a prescribed amount of time.

History

The use of sunlight has been a treatment for various skin conditions for thousands of years. The modern development of phototherapy, however, began in the early 20th century with the work of Niels Finsen, who won a Nobel Prize for his work treating lupus vulgaris with short wavelength light.

Types of Phototherapy

There are several types of phototherapy, including:

• Ultraviolet light therapy: This is the most common type of phototherapy used to treat skin diseases.
• Blue light therapy: This type of therapy is primarily used to treat acne.
• Red light therapy: This therapy is used for the treatment of skin issues, such as wrinkles and scars.
• Infrared light therapy: This type of therapy is used to treat muscle pain and other similar conditions.

Uses

Phototherapy can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including:

• Skin Conditions: Conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and vitiligo can be treated with phototherapy.
• Mood Disorders: Conditions such as seasonal affective disorder and other types of depression that may occur in an individual with a normal sleep-wake cycle.
• Sleep Disorders: Certain sleep disorders, including those related to shift work and jet lag, can be treated with phototherapy.
• Neonatal Jaundice: Phototherapy is the primary treatment for neonatal jaundice.

Risks and Side Effects

While phototherapy is generally safe, it does have potential side effects, including:

• Skin Burn: Overexposure to the light used in phototherapy can cause skin burns.
• Eye Damage: The light used in phototherapy can be harmful to the eyes, so proper eye protection must be worn during treatment.
• Skin Cancer: Long-term exposure to ultraviolet light can increase the risk of skin cancer.

See Also

• Light Therapy (alternative medicine)
• Heliotherapy
• Actinotherapy (radiation therapy)

Phototherapy Resources
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