Light therapy, also referred to as photo-therapy, exposes a person is exposed to certain light waves to treat several conditions. In dermatology, light therapy is used to treat skin diseases and for skin rejuvenation. It is also used to treat other conditions, such as mental disorders. Despite the benefits of light therapy, it also has some risks or side effects.
Types
A light therapy box emits bright artificial light that is similar to natural light. In intense pulsed light therapy, high-intensity, visible light is used to treat certain skin problems. Ultraviolet-B or UVB light therapy involves the use of an artificial source of ultraviolet B light. Fluorescent light therapy is delivered from blue fluorescent or bili lamps. Medline Plus explains that this lamp emits light from specific wavelengths.
Uses
Light therapy treats conditions, such as psoriasis, seasonal affective disorder and jaundice. It's also used for skin rejuvenation. UVB therapy slows down growth of skin cells affected by psoriasis and clears away patches of plaque. However, this effect is temporary. In jaundice, newborn infants are unable to dispose of bilirubin, a byproduct of red blood cell breakdown, due to an immature liver. Fluorescent light therapy converts bilirubin to a product that infants can get rid of through urine and stool.
Intense pulsed light therapy is used in skin rejuvenation to reduce signs of aging such as skin discoloration and wrinkles. Seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression that occurs when seasons change. People who suffer from this condition may feel moody, depressed and have trouble sleeping. A light therapy box is used to improve symptoms.
Administration
The National Psoriasis Foundation reports that UVB light therapy is administered in a medical environment or in the home. It involves exposure of skin affected by a condition such as psoriasis to a source of UVB light. A light therapy box is placed close to a person with seasonal affective disorder -- while they work or when they are seated.
Infants who have jaundice are placed below the fluorescent lights of a bili lamp. Intense pulse light therapy can be delivered with a small wand-like device. The device is applied to the area of the skin that needs treatment. These light treatments are done for specific amounts of time.
Side Effects
Some side effects of light therapy include redness of the skin, pain during treatment, burns, skin discoloration, bruising, headaches and hair loss. Long-term use of light therapy such as UVB light therapy can cause premature skin aging and can also increase the risk of developing skin cancer. The type of side effect observed depends on which light therapy is used.
Precautions
Certain precautions are taken during light therapy because eye and skin damage could occur. The Ohio State University Medical Center's Division of Dermatology explains that goggles and groin shields -- for men -- should be worn during UVB light therapy. Goggles or protective eye shields are also worn during intense pulsed light therapy and fluorescent light therapy. Additionally, sun exposure should be avoided on the day of UVB light therapy because exposure to these two lights could cause sunburn. The Mayo Clinic recommends that those who have skin that is sensitive to light or eye damage that makes the eye prone to light damage should consult a physician before undergoing light therapy.
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