UV Drying Lamps Provide Cost Savings Through Efficiency

UV Drying Lamps

UV drying lamps (or UV curing lamps) are a very important component of the production process in many industries around the globe. Industrial applications of UV drying lamps include:

Automakers

Automakers use UV drying lamps for curing polymers such as specialty resins, inks and varnishes.  When certain polymers are exposed to UV wavelengths, a photochemical process referred to as cross linking occurs producing a hardened and strengthened finish.  This process is used to create hardened gloss surfaces on visible interior parts, or to strengthen plastic parts used in certain assemblies.

UV curing gives automakers a big time saving advantage, as most products treated with UV radiation are cured and touchable within two minutes of time.  This keeps the assembly line moving, with no bottleneck occurring at a treating station.

The Printing Industry 

UV curing of inks is being used instead of solvent based inks in the printing industry, with great benefits.  While solvent inks shrink when drying and evaporate into the air, UV drying lamps provide a consistent clean and crisp finish for various products including glossy postcards, magnets, calendars, and even plastic or wood products.

Packing Companies

Corrugated manufacturers realize the benefit of utilizing UV curing to instantly dry the ink on their packaging products.  This provides a clean crisp vibrant print color, and dries much faster and more consistently than infrared heat drying.  Increased output equals increased profitability.

Flooring

UV light is used to cure concrete, vinyl, and tiles to improve stain resistance and increase the durability of the flooring product.  This process is extremely effective with no toxic odor from chemical treatment, and allows for immediate occupation making it possible to walk on the floor within minutes of treatment.

Other Applications of UV Lighting

UV lamps are also used in various disinfection and purification systems, providing high performance with no use of chemicals. Here are some examples:

UV Disinfection of Medication Equipment

Ultraviolet germicidal treatment of medical equipment includes treating test strips, dialysis machines, syringes, hearing aids, and various other medical devices requiring disinfection.

Air Purification with UV Treatment

Many settings where clean air is critical such as hospitals utilize UV air purification systems to effectively remove harmful contaminants in the air, making it easier to breathe for some people and reducing the likelihood of transmitting bacteria through airborne illnesses.

Water Treatment with UV-Based Solutions

UV water treatment systems have long been utilized as a safe and effective method of providing clean drinking water in public water treatment plants.  UV lamps also provide a safe and very effective method of eradicating harmful microorganisms in ships ballast water.

LightSources Provides UV Lamps for All Applications

LightSources, and our European Partner, LightTech, are global leaders in developing and manufacturing UV lamps with proprietary technology, providing an efficient and cost-effective solution for a multitude of industrial applications.

Low Pressure Mercury Lamp

There are different types of UV lamps for different applications.  The most common type of a UV germicidal bulb is our low-pressure mercury lamp.  This lamp is filled with a small amount of mercury, and either Argon gas or a mixture of gases such as Neon, Krypton or Xenon, providing a specific UV wavelength for your requirement.   Most UV germicidal applications require an effective germicidal wavelength at 254 nm (nanometer), while some applications call for a different exact wavelength for a specific application.

Some benefits of the LP mercury lamp include various options in either standard or high-output quartz lamps, standard or high-output soft glass compact lamps.  Our softglass lamps can operate on lower currents while maintaining high germicidal efficiency, and all of our LP mercury lamps have exceptionally high performance throughout a long-lasting life of up to 13,000 hours.

Low-Pressure Amalgam Lamps

Low-pressure amalgam lamps can yield three times the output of UVC compared to other similar lamps. LightSources has developed patented LongLife™ pellet amalgam technology, which provides greater UVC intensity even in dimming mode, providing cost savings in energy efficiency.  Our LP amalgam lamps provide superior efficiency over a long life of up to 16,000 hours.

Our low pressure amalgam lamps are often used in water and air purification, disinfection procedures, and disinfection applications within the medical industry.   Our amalgam lamps are an important part of water treatment systems for ships ballast water, providing an effective solution to shipping companies’ requirement of compliance to the Ballast Water Treatment Convention.

Medium Pressure Ultraviolet Lamps (MPUV)

Medium-pressure UV lamps have long been used to instantly cure inks, varnishes and coatings.  Over the last decade improvements in technology in MPUV lamps have expanded use into water and air purification and disinfection applications, and to irradiate energy such as visible light, at various wavelengths.

LightSources provides MPUV lamps in various standard sizes, or our expert engineers can custom design a system just for your needs.  MPUV lamps are popular for ship ballast water treatment systems as they carry a small footprint.

Value Added Services

The LightSources Group includes partners around the globe, providing innovative solutions for various OEM applications with quick turn around and patented technology.  LightTech utilizes a specialty glass manufacturing facility in Hungary, where custom products can be designed for your engineering requirements.  Strategic partners like Cerlux provide custom ceramic bases and fittings, Voltarc is a world leader in specialty neon and fluorescent signs and LCD Lighting specializes in backlighting for avionic display applications, and miniature high-performance lighting applications.

LightSources and its affiliated companies – LCD Lighting, Voltarc, LightTech, and Cerlux represent the leading high-tech designers and manufacturers in the lamp industry today. Our standard lamps and components as well as customized products offer high-quality solutions to meet our partner’s unique needs.  We invite you to contact us to learn more about our wide selection of lamps.

Mercury Lamps Proven Effective and Cost Efficient

Mercury lamps use vaporized mercury and an electric arc to produce light, usually in an outer lamp that is coated with phosphor. The phosphor coating helps to offset the bluish-green tint created from the mercury vapor, which can be an unflattering light in public places. The phosphor coating helps to emit a white light which is pleasing in public settings such as overhead lighting in large venues and arenas.

LightSources and LightTech Develop Powerful Mercury Lamps

Mercury lamps are proven more energy efficient that fluorescent and incandescent lighting, with long lasting lamp life. LightSources and our strategic European Partner, LightTech, have developed proprietary low-pressure mercury lamps (LP Hg lamp), providing highly effective and efficient ultraviolet energy in a short wavelength. Our LP Hg lamps convert 40% of electrical energy into effective UVC radiation used in several germicidal applications.

Proprietary Long-Life™ Technology

LightSources and LightTech extend the life of our already efficient mercury lamps with a Long-Life technology coating application, extending operating life and realizing up to 80% end-of-life UVC output. These specialty mercury lamps do not lose their effectiveness even towards the end of the operating useful life.

Various Models of Mercury Lamps

LightSources offers various solutions to customers using innovative technologies. Our low-pressure mercury lamps include quartz and soft glass, ozone generating or ozone free lamps, high output or standard output, low-pressure amalgam lamps and specialty lamps developed specific to your custom product. Our highly skilled engineers work closely with OEMs large and small to develop proprietary lamp applications improving performance and brand awareness. Whether used for germicidal purposes in water or air, ultraviolet (UV) curing processes, medicinal disinfecting purposes, health benefits for skin or mood, or even proprietary tanning lamps, LightSources offers high performance lamp products providing cost-effective solutions.

Quartz Glass and Soft Glass Lamp Products

As the name implies, soft glass is softer than quartz, with quartz providing some added strength against breakage. Quartz is also more resistant to solarization. Solarization is a phenomenon that occurs when optical components are exposed to UV radiation which alters their ability to transmit UV light. Manufacturers of UV light must understand how solarization affects various lamps and components which include the outer glass, phosphor coatings and the filters. The LightSources Group employs technical design engineers knowledgeable in all aspects of UV radiation, conducting continual research and development resulting in several patented and proprietary products.

Soft Glass

Our soft glass low-pressure mercury lamps can operate on lower currents between 180-425mA, with germicidal efficiency of 30%. Our soft glass lamps are ozone free and available in either standard output or high output.

Quartz

The LightSources Group designs quartz glass lamps that are available in either ozone generating or ozone free solutions, and emit highly effective UVC radiation at 253.7nm. Available in either standard or high output, these mercury vapor lamps offer a variety of germicidal solutions.

Ozone Generating Lamps

Ozone (O3) is an unstable form of oxygen with one extra oxygen atom instead of the 2 atoms as in the atmosphere we breathe (O2). The third extra oxygen atom is loosely bonded and is the key to ozone’s effective oxidizing power, eliminating contaminants more effectively than chlorination. Ozone is a powerful disinfectant, destroying viruses, bacteria, microbial organisms and even eliminating odors. LightSources offers two varieties of ozone-generating lamps in High Output (“H”), and Very High output (“VH”).

Ozone Free Lamps

Ozone free lamps use a wavelength of an effective 254nm, which can also be used for ozone destruction. Our ozone free lamps are designed with doped quartz glass.

Standard Output Mercury Vapor Lamps

LightSources offers a low-pressure UVC mercury lamp in both standard and high-output models. Each lamp has a ‘cold spot’ where drops of mercury accumulate, and are then heated to the optimum temperature to produce maximum UVC output.

High-Output Mercury Lamps

High-output mercury lamps operate at a higher electrical wattage than the standard output, 600-800mA vs 425mA, and carry higher electrical loads. Our high-output (HO) mercury lamps use filaments that yield up to two-thirds more UVC output with cold spot technology. The area on the lamp wall with the lowest temperature is the cold spot where mercury condenses. Cold spot technology refers to the condensation of mercury on this area, while the temperature is the defining factor for the level of pressure emitted by the mercury vapor directly impacting the luminous flux, which is the measurement of the energy of light emitted in all directions per second, referred to as lumens. Standard UVC mercury lamps are used in applications where the exposure time can be longer with low flow rates, while HO UVC mercury lamps are ideal in situations requiring higher flow rates.

Low-Pressure Amalgam Lamps

Amalgam technology enhances the UVC output of standard fluorescent lighting. The performance of fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent lighting (CFL) are greatly affected by high temperatures which deteriorate light and color output as the mercury vapor pressure depends upon temperature. Amalgam lamps control the mercury vapor pressure with amalgam pellet technology rather than cold spot technology. The amalgam method yields up to three times the UVC output, ideal in germicidal applications requiring a wider range of temperatures, although they take longer to warm up than standard fluorescent lighting to reach their maximum light output. LightSources offers various amalgam lamp technologies for a multitude of lighting applications including UVC germicidal purposes.

Specialty Custom Lamps

The LightSources Group offers standard, custom and specialty lighting solutions for any OEM lighting or germicidal application, including specialty lamps such as Quartz U-Lamps, Compact Lamps, Soft Glass Compact and Quartz Germipak Cell Lamps. Our skilled engineers will custom design and match proprietary bulbs to your equipment and application.

The LightSources Group is a leading global manufacturer of lighting solutions used in a multitude of applications in several different industries. We assist OEMs worldwide with high performance, long lasting patented and proprietary lamps used in various UV technologies. Contact us today to speak with one of our lighting experts for proven UV solutions in all fluorescent, UV, UVC and low-pressure mercury lamps.

Leading Patented Technology in High-Caliber Lampholders

Along with our valued partners Voltarc and LCD Lighting, the LightSources Group has developed the most advanced, high-caliber electrical wiring devices and incandescent lampholders in the industry. Our innovative designs combined with patented technology provide superior lamp components with extraordinary long-life combined with convenient features for safety and durability.

LightSources and its affiliated companies have been designing, engineering and manufacturing customized lighting solutions for over 30 years. With vast expertise in UV germicidal lamps, UV ballast water treatment, UV air treatment, UV curing bulbs, specialty fluorescent lamps, tanning lamps, and outdoor sign products, we have the team and resources to make lamp designs a reality.

With dozens of designs and styles to choose from, LightSources offers standard or custom designed lampholders for virtually any application, indoor or outdoor with UL listed CSA approved equipment.

Ground Fault Protection

Voltarc is a leader in the lighted sign industry, with patented Dead Front housing technology to protect your equipment from ground faults. This innovative design eliminates rivets in the face of the lampholder, completely isolating it from the ground. A key component of this design is the Fabulex™ mounting clip manufactured from thermoplastic engineering resin with durable properties of 9,000 PSI Shear Strength and a Tensile Elongation Strength of -68° F to 158° F. Voltarc’s patented O-rings are specially designed for long life with no drying, featuring a blue silicone treatment for water and condensation resistance which prevents bonding during re-lamping.

Kulka® IS-Series Lampholders

The Kulka IS-Series is specially designed for Electronic Sign Ballasts, with an integrated shunt design used for instant start ballasts. The IS-Series are the only lampholders to feature new single Leadwire technology. Patented Red-O Ring technology distinguishes this single lead wire lampholder from the two lead Blue-O Ring technology for safe and simple operation. The Kulka IS-Series of lampholders are all UL listed with the Circle I Rating, and CSA approved.

572 & 573 Series Slimline & Cold Cathode Lampholders

Additional Kulka wiring devices offered by Voltarc include the 572 and 573 Series of Slimline Cold Cathode Lampholders. The slimline 572 lampholder is rated for 660 Watts at 1000V, while the 573 is rated for 660 Watts at 600V. These can be mounted with various brackets or with butt-on mounting. All Slimline series lampholders are UL listed and CSA certified for outdoor use in enclosed signs and fixtures.

582.GDF & 583.GDF Stationary or Spring-Loaded Series

Voltarc’s 582.GDF™ and 583.GDF™ Series lampholders are Recessed Double Contact Lampholders suitable for 800 and 1500mA Lamps. These lampholders contain no metal clips therefore there is no risk of electrical grounding or corrosion. This stationary series of lampholders completely isolates the socket face from the ground, and features our patented Blue O-Ring technology. The 582 and 583 series lampholders are UL listed and CSA certified for outdoor use in enclosed signs and fixtures.

530.1K & 530.2K Series Snap-In Lampholders

Convenient lampholders such as the snap-in series from Voltarc include the 530.1K™ & 530.2K™ Series Snap-In Recessed Double Contact Lampholders for 800 and 1500mA Lamps. The 530 series utilize a snap-in mounting system, and are rated at 660 Watts with dual rating of 600V or 1000V.

1550 Series Turn-Type Lampholders with Medium Bi-Pin

The 1550 series features medium bi-pin, in a turn type lampholder with slide-on mounting for 18 or 20-gauge panels. These lampholders can be wired at the factory for custom specifications with length, wire or strip material.

1640 Series Slide-On Lampholders

Voltarc also features the 1640 Series Slide-On Lampholders with recessed double contacts for 800 and 1500 mA Lamps. The 1640 Series of lampholders is ideal for outdoor application when they are enclosed properly. Each end features slide wire horizontal contacts. All slide-on lampholders are UL listed and CSA certified for outdoor use in enclosed signs and fixtures.

Voltarc and the LightSources group offer the most advanced lampholders in the lighting industry, with patented technology for any application. Our lighting components are manufactured with the highest of quality processes, providing patented solutions to OEMs around the globe. With a full line of standard components or the option to custom design your lighting solutions, we are sure to find the perfect lighting solution for your needs.

LightSources, Voltarc and LCD Lighting specialize in extraordinary design and manufacturing of specialty fluorescent lamps, low pressure UV lamps used in germicidal and UV curing applications, avionics display, and lamps used in medical applications. Contact LightSources for long-life fluorescent lamps and wiring components used in the lighted sign industry.

Proprietary Lighting Solutions Enhance Brand Awareness

Enhance your brand awareness with proprietary lighting solutions offered by LightSources and our sister company, Cerlux. Patented and proprietary lamps are designed to showcase your logo or brand colors for uniqueness, giving you a competitive edge. Cerlux provides custom designed ceramic components with matching end fittings and sockets.

Proprietary lighting solutions are available with our specialty fluorescent lamps, tanning lamps and UV germicidal lamps. Our ability to offer customized and proprietary lighting solutions are one of the many reasons our clients describe our customer commitment as second to none.

Proprietary Lamp Bases and Sockets from Cerlux

Cerlux is our ceramic lamp component provider, manufacturing technical ceramic components with low-pressure injection molding. Cerlux employs skilled engineers experienced with CAD software for three dimensional models, quality tooling, precision milling and EDM processes.

Cerlux conducts ongoing research and development, along with continual improvement projects as an ISO9001 registered company. Environmental compliance is assured with an Environmental Management System registered to ISO14001.

Customized Specialty Fluorescent Lighting Solutions

OEMs conduct business in an ever increasingly global market. Gain a competitive edge with custom designed fluorescent lighting solutions. The LightSources group supports OEMs to grow their aftermarket, and protect it with patented technology. Precision manufacturers of high quality units used in computers, medical instruments and aircrafts need a way to stand out with a branded line of high-performance fluorescent lamps.

LightSources offers customized lighting solutions for specialty lamp manufacturers in any size, length or shape with proprietary phosphor blends. Any size is available, including T5, T8, T6, T10 and T12, with patented bases and sockets designed specifically for your exclusive use.

Proprietary Tanning Lamp Solutions

With the competitive market of tanning lamps today, it pays big dividends to offer your customers something that no one else has. The LightSources group offers proprietary phosphor blends with SolGlass® technology, combined with patented bases and sockets designed and manufactured for your unique, exclusive use.

SolGlass® is an innovative new glass technology developed by the LightSources group with proprietary phosphor blends. Benefits of SolGlass tanning lamp technology include:

• Short-wave UVB rays for continuous pigmentation providing long lasting gratification
• Narrow-band UVA wavelengths for quick tanning provides instant gratification
• Open glass technology allows increased UV transmission over other lamps, creating improved tanning effects.
• SolGlass® is the only tanning lamp with this unique combination of UVA readings and UVB spectrum, allowing 75% of UVB energy transmission compared to 36% of comparable tanning lamps on the market.

Give your customers extraordinary tanning results with innovative technology, all meeting US and European regulations including class 3 and 0.3W/m2 sunbed regulations. Offering advanced technology for total customer satisfaction, branded for your exclusive use gives you a tremendous competitive advantage.

Proprietary UV Germicidal Lighting Solutions

UV germicidal lamps are used in a multitude of applications, purifying water and air in commercial, medical and government facilities for improved health of occupants. UV radiation is highly effective at eradicating bacteria and viruses from water used in water treatment systems in numerous municipalities and aboard ships. Air purification offers several advantages to hospitals and medical facilities improving the health of the medically compromised.

OEMs of these systems face an ever-increasing competitive market place with offers of inexpensive systems. Be wary of UV solutions that do not come with the support of scientific expertise of UV radiation. The LightSources group conducts ongoing research and development, continually improving our superior UV germicidal products, with skilled engineers possessing in-depth knowledge of the UV spectrum. We can custom design the optimum solution for you, with UV germicidal lamps offered in varying lengths and sizes to fit your system. We can also offer this technology to you branded for your exclusive use, improving your competitive edge.

We can use your provided design, or assist you with designing a UV germicidal system, with 3D model file technology.

Benefits of Proprietary Lighting Solutions

There are numerous benefits to developing your own proprietary products, and it doesn’t take as long as you may think. The LightSources group is experienced in patent and trademark procedures, facilitating your own proprietary project from start to finish, often in only a couple of months.

Proprietary specialty lighting and UV lamp solutions provide the following competitive advantages:

• Revenue growth with continued sales
• Custom lamps with unique fittings
• Distinguishable products with identifiable pin configurations, sockets, bases or end caps
• Custom colors to match your logo for increased brand awareness
• Custom logo with decal or specialty etching

The LightSources Group will show you how easy it is to stand out from your lighting competitors with cutting edge fluorescent and UV technology, branded with your unique corporate logo.

LightSources and our partner, Cerlux, provide customized advanced lighting technology, improving your brand awareness, sales and profit. Contact us today to speak with a knowledgeable engineer for customized lighting solutions.

Are You Looking for a Quartz Lamp Supplier?

If you’re looking for a quality supplier of quartz lamp products and components, the LightSources group offers proven solutions for any lighting application.  Our valued partner LightTech, along with LCD Lighting, Voltarc and Cerlux provide the best in class lamps for a multitudeof industries.  We recognize the importance of quality products, delivered on time and to your specification.

The LightSources group provides quick turn-around to OEMs large and small with specialty lamps and lighting technologies, meeting strict delivery requirements with our vast resources.  With a presence in Europe including a state-of-the-art glass factory, a location in China, and wide resources from our partner companies across the United States, we deliver cost efficient lighting solutions to companies worldwide.

Quartz Lamp Suppliers for Any Application

While there are many light bulb suppliers claiming to have the products you need, only the LightSources group is recognized for providing a wide range of lighting technologies meeting critical and demandingapplications.  Our experienced lighting engineers provide custom designed solutions in UV germicidal lamps, tanning lamps and a variety of quartz lamp technologies.

Our quartz lightingsolutions are available in ozone generating or ozone free technologies, in either standard or high output models.  Our mercury vapor lamps offer various UV germicidal technologies at 253.7 nanometer (nm), which is most effective at eradicatingbacteria, viruses and contaminants.

Quartz is stronger than glass or soft glass, providing added strength and protection against breaking.    Quartz is also known to be more resistant to solarization, which occurs when UV radiation alters the ability of optical and lamp components to transmit UV light.   Quartz lamps allow for maximum UV transmission with little absorption.  Quartz provides long lasting performance, maintaining quality output throughout a longer product life cycle.

Quartz halogen lamps are an incandescent light bulb that is enveloped in quartz rather than glass, with the filament surrounded by a halogen gas, usually iodine.  Quartz iodine lamps contain a tungsten filament with the bulb that also contains iodine.  When this reacts with the vaporized tungsten it will prevent blackening of the bulb, and produce an intense light used in applications such as car headlights.

Quartz will remain cooler than glass, providing more transparency and versatility in applications, while transmitting the maximum amount of UV radiation.   Quartz lighting technologies developed by the LightSources group produce higher luminous efficacy with maximum operating life.  Our standard and custom designed solutions will fit any application, with patented products developed with proprietary technologies.

The design and engineering team at the LightSources group understands the technology behind the products, offering specialized design consultations and assistance with developing your own patented products.

Vast Resources from Lighting Solutions Partners

LCD Lighting Provides Innovative Solutions

LCD Lighting is a recognized leader in the industry of light bulb manufacturing, providing lighting solutions for critical aircraft display applications, illuminating cockpits in Boeing aircraft and the NASA space shuttle.   LCDL is a valued partner to the LightSources group, known as an innovative manufacturer of fluorescent and miniature lighting solutions for virtually any lighting application.

Cerlux Offers Custom Designed Lamp Products

Cerlux is a valued member of the LightSources team, offering OEMs and businesses of any size custom designed products to raise your own brand awareness.  Custom design your fluorescent, UV germicidal and quartz lamps with unique custom colors in lamp bases, sockets and components.  Cerlux manufactures high quality ceramic bases and electric insulators, washers, tips, resistant grinding cylinders and many more state-of-the-art lamp components.

Cerlux performs specialty ceramic processes, firing at extremely high temperatures at 1,000°C.   Cerlux is an innovative manufacturer, recycling the heat produced from the high temperature kilns to heat their facilities and water supplies to conserve energy.   Cerlux provides custom glazing options to match your unique color scheme, providing endless options with long-lasting components offering scratch resistant, durable products.

Voltarc

Voltarc is a world leading producer of lighted signs with fluorescent and neon tube signs, long lamps and U-lamps, and proprietary technology such as TriLight Max fluorescent signs.  Voltarc is a valuable addition to the LightSources group, known for innovative and specialty UV curing lamps, quartz lamps, electrical wiring devices, lampholders and fluorescent lamps.

LightSources and its affiliated companies bring together the most innovative suppliers in the lighting industry, working together to provide advanced technologies with all types of lamps and specialty lamp components.  We provide quick turn-around with rapid prototyping of any type of lamp product including quartz glass and soft glass products.

LightSources, LightTech and affiliated companies LCD Lighting, Voltarc and Cerlux, represent the leading high-tech designers and manufacturers in the lamp industry today.  Our products are used worldwide and are found in a multitude of applications and industries such as our UV germicidal lamps that offer patent-protected, OEM-oriented solutions. 

 

Light Therapy for Psoriasis is Proven Effective

Originally posted at: https://www.light-sources.com/blog/light-therapy-for-psoriasis-is-proven-effective/

Light therapy for psoriasis is proven to be an effective method of treatment. Psoriasis is a disease that causes red, scaly patches which appear raised on the skin typically on the scalp, knees and elbows. This bothersome skin condition is an immune-mediated disease that can be associated with other serious health conditions such as depression, heart disease and diabetes. You should see your doctor if you develop a persistent rash that is not helped with over the counter medication.

The exact cause of psoriasis is not known, although we do know that it is a disease caused by the immune system. Genetics are also a known factor in the development of psoriasis. In people with psoriasis the skin cells grow abnormally fast which leads to the buildup of skin lesions. Both women and men develop psoriasis at the same rate with something usually triggering a flare up. Psoriasis can develop at any age although usually shows first signs within the age range of 15 to 35.

Psoriasis is diagnosed by a dermatologist or other medical provider after an examination. Your doctor may conduct a biopsy of the affected skin under a microscope, which will present as inflamed and thicker than normal skin and eczema. While conventional treatments provide some relief to patients, phototherapy lamps are providing relief with proven results.

Light Therapy for Psoriasis Treats Different Types

Light therapy for psoriasis on effective the varying types of this skin condition. You should learn which type of psoriasis you have to help determine the best treatment. Your doctor can prescribe the best course of action, which may include phototherapy with a specialty UV lamp. The five types of psoriasis include:

Plaque Psoriasis – this is the most common type of this skin condition with red patches of raised skin that are often painful and itchy, showing most commonly on the elbows, knees, lower back and scalp.

Guttate Psoriasis – this form of psoriasis usually first appears in childhood or as a young adult as small, dot-like lesions and may be triggered by a strep infection. After plaque psoriasis, this is the second most common type.

Inverse Psoriasis – this type of psoriasis appears in folds of the body such as the groin, armpit and behind the knee appearing as smooth, shiny skin.

Pustular Psoriasis – this type appears as white pustules or blisters surrounded by skin. The pus consists of white blood cells and is not contagious. This appears mostly on the feet and hands but may appear anywhere on the body.

Erythrodermic Psoriasis – this is a severe type of psoriasis leading to fiery red skin spread out over most of the body, leading to the skin coming off in sheets and causing severe pain and itching. It is the rarest of the of types with only 3 percent of people suffering with psoriasis having this type. It typically appears on patients with unstable plaque psoriasis. This form can be life threatening during a flare up and patients should seek medical attention immediately.

Light Therapy for Psoriasis Treatment

Phototherapy with UV lamps to treat psoriasis expose the skin to UV light under medical supervision on a consistent basis. A UV lamp for psoriasis is not the same thing as using a tanning bed, in fact it can be quite harmful and make symptoms worse as the wavelength of UVA and UVB are not the same as in a specially designed phototherapy lamp.

There are different types of light therapy to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis, which include:

• Ultraviolet light B (UVB)
• Sunlight
• Psoralen + UVA (PUVA)

UVB Phototherapy for Psoriasis

UVB is present in natural sunlight and proven to be an effective treatment for psoriasis. UVB treatment is administered either at home under a doctor’s direction or in a medical setting. If administering light therapy for psoriasis from home, it is critical to follow your physician’s orders and maintain follow up visits. UVB wavelengths penetrate the skin in either a broad band or narrow band. Narrow band UVB releases a narrower, or smaller, range of UV light.

Your doctor can help to determine which type of UVB wavelength would be best for your skin. Patients may experience initial irritation which should lessen with continued exposure. UVB may be combined with systematic agents or topical medications to increase the effectiveness. UVB phototherapy may administered in various way which include small lamp units for localized treatment to feet, hands or specific areas or a full body unit.

The proper type of UVB lamp must be used for effective treatment without causing damage and irritation to the skin.

Sunlight

Both UVA and UVB are found in natural sunlight, although UVB works best to treat psoriasis. If attempting to improve psoriasis with natural sunlight therapy, short bursts of exposure are recommended for 5 to 10 minutes at noon daily. All areas should receive equal exposure and sunscreen should be worn to prevent damage and worsening of conditions. Patients should continue to see their doctor to check for improvement or damage from the sun. Improvement in symptoms may be seen in several weeks. Patients taking medication to enhance light sensitivity such as Psoralen should avoid prolonged exposure to the sun unless under a doctor’s care.

Psoralen with UVA (PUVA)

UVA is present in natural sunlight along with UVB, although UVA is generally not as effective in treating psoriasis without the use of a mediation to enhance light sensitivity. Psoralen is administered by a doctor either orally or topically and helps to slow down the excessive growth of skin cells which helps to clear symptoms. PUVA treatment is most effective on plaque psoriasis in stable condition, guttate psoriasis and symptoms appearing on the feet and hands.

LightSources Offers UV Phototherapy Lamps for Psoriasis

LightSources is a leading global supplier of UV lamps and lighting solutions to a wide range of industries and applications. We offer decades of experience and lighting engineers with in-depth understanding of UV technology. LightSources and our valued European partner, LightTech, are committed to continual research and development to deliver first to market, patented products which outperform the competition with effectiveness, long lasting high performance and cost saving energy efficiencies.

We understand the technology that goes into every UV lamp offering custom designed lamps with specific wavelengths derived from custom blend phosphors. LightSources assists OEMs and manufacturers with developing proprietary products to increase their own brand awareness. When you need lamps or lighting solutions for any purpose, including phototherapy lamps to treat various conditions, contact the lighting specialists at LightSources.

Find the Best Lamps for Light Therapy for Depression

Originally posted at: https://www.light-sources.com/blog/find-the-best-lamps-for-light-therapy-for-depression/

Using specially designed phototherapy lamps, many people are experiencing relief from a host of medical ailments including the use of light therapy for depression. Ultraviolet radiation has been proven to provide many healthy benefits such as effective air purification. When used properly, UV light can treat many skin conditions and mood disorders.

Light therapy is used to treat acne, eczema, vitiligo, psoriasis, seasonal depression and is even being used to treat non-seasonal depression. Phototherapy should only be used under the care of a physician and is sometimes used in conjunction with other treatment methods such as antidepressants and counseling. Your physician will know which course of treatment is right for you and how to prescribe the right type of lamp with the most effective exposure.

Why You Might Consider Light Therapy for Depression

There are many reasons why you might want to try light therapy for depression, some of the most common reasons include:Pregnant or nursing women must avoid certain antidepressants
Used in conjunction with antidepressants it may decrease the amount of prescription medication necessary

Light therapy may increase the effectiveness of prescription antidepressants

Phototherapy may elevate mood to improve the effectiveness of counseling
Light therapy has very few side effects and is considered to be a very safe treatment

Your doctor may recommend light therapy

Artificial light is proven to help treat seasonal mood disorders and non-seasonal depression as well. Light therapy emits the right amount of UV exposure to elevate mood much like natural sunlight. This helps people suffering from depression by triggering the brain to increase production of serotonin, a natural chemical in the brain that acts much like antidepressants. This increase in the level of serotonin is proven to help treat non-seasonal depression as well.
Light Therapy for Seasonal Depression

SAD usually affects people living in the Northern Hemisphere during the fall and winter months when exposure to sunlight and daylight hours is significantly reduced. You should speak with your doctor if you experience any symptoms of SAD which include:Losing interest in normal activities
Food cravings especially foods high in carbs
Withdrawing socially
Gaining weight
Fatigue

Light therapy is recognized by the American Psychological Association, as effective treatment for SAD, providing relief to approximately 50% of patients treated. This increases significantly to an improvement in about 80% of patients when the light therapy is customized to an individual’s sleep and wake cycle. The typical treatment includes about 30 minutes of exposure in the morning with a fluorescent white light. Most patients experience an improvement in one week of light therapy for seasonal depression.
Light Therapy for Nonseasonal Depression and Other Conditions

Light therapy is also used to treat nonseasonal depression and many other conditions such as:Depression not caused from changing seasons
Dementia
Jet Lag
Adjusting to night work schedules
Sleep Disorders

Light therapy is successful in treating many conditions including nonseasonal depression and various sleep disorders. People suffering from circadian rhythm disorders have difficulty with regulating regular wake and sleep patterns. This is common in people that work night shifts or people that experience jet lag. A person’s circadian rhythm is like the internal clock that tells the body to become more alert when daylight begins and more tired when daylight diminishes.

Light therapy is proven highly effective at treating a wide range of sleep disorders by helping to “re-set” the internal clock which promotes regular sleep patterns. Light therapy for sleep disorders should be conducted only under the care of a physician experienced in sleep disorders.
LightSources Offers Effective UV Lamps for Light Therapy for Depression

The LightSources Group is recognized as a leading global supplier of high quality, energy efficient and highly effective UV lamp solutions used in a wide range of applications. Our full spectrum UV lamps for depression are specially designed and manufactured with rare Earth phosphors which produce a clear and bright white light with a high coloring index (CRI) in the range of 90 to 100. We design, engineer and manufacture phototherapy lamps used in a wide range of medical uses.

Our lamps are used worldwide for many therapeutic purposes including skin conditions, sleep disorders and light therapy for depression. Our skilled and experienced lighting engineers understand the technology behind the UV radiation and offer in-depth expertise in designing UV lamps with the exact amount of bandwidth and UV exposure prescribed by physicians for many health conditions.

Learn How UV Light for Eczema Gives Patients Relief

Originally posted at: https://www.light-sources.com/blog/learn-how-uv-light-for-eczema-gives-patients-relief/

Eczema is an irritating skin condition that causes painful, itchy patches of dry skin in varying degrees of severity and UV light for eczema is proven to provide relief. Eczema can cause emotional stress to those suffering from this skin condition who only want relief. There are different types of eczema, which include:

• contact dermatitis
• atopic dermatitis
• seborrheic dermatitis
• nummular eczema
• stasis dermatitis
• dyshidrotic eczema

Symptoms can be different among people suffering from eczema, although most people experience the most common symptoms reported as extreme itching, inflamed red skin, rough scaly patches of skin, dry, sensitive skin, and areas of swelling. Itchiness is associated with all types of eczema and can make symptoms worse if people scratch too much. Eczema may develop in babies and children who may outgrow the condition, or eczema may develop in adulthood.

Eczema currently has no known cure, although there are effective treatments in the form of topical ointments, creams, and ultraviolet (UV) light therapy.

How UV Light for Eczema Works

Topical treatments may work for some people, although UV light for eczema has been proven to give relief to many patients. UV light therapy, also called phototherapy, should be in a controlled setting under a physician’s care with the proper type of UV lamp. The right type of lamp must be used with the proper wavelength administered as exposure to the wrong type of UV radiation could worsen symptoms.

Some people notice an improvement in their symptoms during the sunny, summer months, these patients are more likely to see improvement with UV light therapy. People living in the northern hemisphere may notice that a UV lamp improves their symptoms during the winter months when sunlight is scarce. Consistency is key with UV light for eczema treatment as improvement usually takes one to two months of regular exposure.

Light is divided into colors and measured in wavelengths, with the unit of measure in nanometers (nm). Ultraviolet light is in the electromagnetic spectrum of radiated energy which is invisible to the human eye. Ultraviolet light is divided into three areas: UVA, UVB, and UVCradiation. UVA and UVB radiation are often prescribed to treat eczema.

UVA light is in the wavelength between 315 to 400 nm, UVB radiation is between 280 and 315 nm with narrow-band UVB light measuring 310 nm. UVB radiation is the most common type of light therapy for eczema and emits wavelengths that are similar to the sun’s rays and are proven to give relief to many patients. Some patients prescribed UVA treatments are also prescribed a medication called psoralen which makes their skin more receptive to the UVA treatments.

All types of UV light for eczema treatments are proven to help patients by suppressing the overactive immune system which reduces inflammation, itching, and pain. UV phototherapy can improve vitamin D production and increase the skin’s own bacteria-fighting systems. Phototherapy is proven to help about 70% of those suffering from this irritating skin condition to find relief from symptoms, or at least calm them down and in some cases put them in a state of remittance.

LightSources Offers Proven UV Lamps for Eczema Treatment

LightSources and European partner, LightTech, offer UV lamps proven highly effective in many phototherapy applications. The LightSources Group is recognized worldwide for designing, engineering, and manufacturing high-tech, cutting-edge UVlamp technology. Our engineers possess in-depth knowledge of UV radiation and lamp technology, offering UV lamps that outperform and outlast comparable lamps with long-lasting effectiveness.

Our UV phototherapy lamps are used worldwide to treat a host of medical conditions. Phototherapy lamps are proven effective in treating many skin conditions including eczema, psoriasis, acne, vitiligo, and mood disorders such as depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression caused by a lack of sunlight. The LightSources Group manufactures UV phototherapy lamps with full OEM support for all of these conditions.

LightSources is the leading global supplier of UVC germicidal lamps used in all disinfection applications such as in air purification systems and water disinfection processes. UVC radiation is proven to instantly eliminate harmful bacteria and viruses within seconds of exposure and is completely safe for humans. LightSources offers the widest selection of UVCgermicidal lamps for any application with custom-designed solutions and prototypes available