Health Benefits of Phototherapy

Phototherapy is also known as Light Therapy, and refers to treating a variety of medical conditions by exposure to wavelengths of light.  The most common type of bulb used in phototherapy is fluorescent light, although there are many variations used for different conditions.

Light Treatment for Skin Conditions

One common condition treated with specialty fluorescent lights is jaundice.  Newborn babies are often born with a degree of jaundice which occurs when the liver cannot yet break down all toxins in the body, causing a yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes.  Exposure to exact wavelengths of blue lights, “Bili” lights, will break down bilirubin and improve jaundice in newborns.  Parents are often sent home with specific lighting to use for certain periods of time.

Patients with skin disorders such as psoriasis, eczema and acne also benefit from phototherapy:

• Exposure to UVA and UVB lamps can decelerate the growth of skin cells and aid in healing skin for people suffering from psoriasis.
• UV light is also successful in treating eczema, an inflammation in the skin caused by an overactive immune system.  Fluorescent light exposure suppresses the immune system, reducing symptoms of swollen, itchy skin.
• Acne occurs when bacteria in the skin is attacked by the immune system, causing an inflammation, or a pimple.  Combined red and blue light therapy is used for treating acne.  Wavelengths of 600nm – 700nm in red light are successful in soothing inflammation and stimulating cell growth for regeneration and healing.  Wavelengths at 415 nm in blue light are effective in killing bacteria thus preventing acne breakouts. 

Light Treatment for Mood Disorders

A number of mood disorders are also much improved with light therapy.   One of the most talked about is SAD, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder.  This is a state of depression that occurs when an individual has less exposure to daylight during fall or winter months, and can get quite serious in a short amount of time.  Exposure to full spectrum lighting that imitates the sun usually improves depression symptoms in as little time as one week.  Other sleep disorders including jet lag also have seen remarkable improvements with phototherapy.

Wound Healing and Diabetes

Wound healing from bed sores, diabetes, and poor circulation can also be treated with exposure to infrared lights.  Diabetic retinopathy, damage to the retina from diabetes, occurs in 80% of all patients that have diabetes for 20 years or longer, and is the leading cause of blindness in people age 20 to 64.   Surprisingly, 90% of all new cases could be reduced with monitoring and proper treatment. 

See our website or contact us to speak with leading experts in light therapy to see how we can assist you with your specific requirements.

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