What is light therapy? + Application of phototherapy in the treatment of diseases

Light therapy or phototherapy is a non-invasive and effective method for human physical and mental health.. In this method, a wide range of diseases are treated using different light waves, from seasonal depression disorder (SAD) to some skin diseases.. Light therapy or light therapy has many benefits, and to benefit from them, it must be done under the supervision of a specialist doctor and observing safety precautions.. Regarding the side effects of phototherapy, in the next article from GCORP LLC Health Magazine

What is light therapy?

Light therapy is not a new medical method, but about 3500 years ago people in India and Egypt used sunlight to treat vitiligo.... But since 1980, with the recognition of this method, light therapy was placed in the first line of treatment for seasonal depression disorder (SAD) and other disorders, and it is currently used more widely.

How does light therapy work?

Phototherapy, using specific light waves, affects the body's biological processes and improves cellular function or reduces inflammation.... Depending on the wavelength of light, this method can change the production of hormones such as melatonin and serotonin, or stimulate activities related to the skin and the immune system..

Usually, the light therapy device is installed in a box with special lamps that can be used after connecting to the electricity....You need to place the treated area inside the device and in front of the light for a certain time to absorb the light....This device usually consists of fluorescent lamps on a reflective metal base with a plastic plate of ultraviolet rays...What is it, you can read the related article on GCORP LLC.

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Types of light therapy

There are different types of phototherapy depending on the type of light it emits, the most common of which include the following:

1- Light therapy with ultraviolet rays (UV)

Treatment with ultraviolet light has three different types according to the wavelength used:

• Broadband UVB phototherapy: Type B UV light is used for skin problems, but does not affect skin folds.
• Narrowband UVB phototherapy: They use a narrower range of UVB wavelengths and penetrate specific areas such as skin folds.
• Phototherapy with PUVA: Treatment with UVA light begins with the use of psoralen. This drug, which can be used orally or topically, increases the skin's sensitivity to light.

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2- Light therapy with infrared rays

Thermal lamps contain infrared rays... They use different wavelengths of these lamps to increase the speed of the body's metabolism and improve blood circulation... You can also treat muscle sores with infrared heat lamps.

3- Light therapy with LED

LED light therapy includes the use of light diodes to emit light with different wavelengths.... With this method, some skin problems and muscle pains can be solved.... Also, some beauty clinics use light therapy in facial treatments to improve skin texture, reduce inflammation, and rejuvenate the skin.

4- Laser light therapy

During laser therapy, high-powered light pulses are emitted. These pulses are infrared electromagnetic energy that enter the body in the form of photons. Currently, laser therapy is used for eye surgery, fractures, arthritis, neuroinflammation, vein removal, heel spurs, tattoo removal, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

5- Light therapy with blue light (blue light therapy)

Blue light therapy penetrates the skin less deeply and can be used to balance the body's biological clock to treat mood disorders, seasonal depression, baby jaundice, acne and some skin diseases.

6- Light therapy with red light (red light therapy)

Red light therapy penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin and by stimulating collagen, it increases blood flow and reduces inflammation. Therefore, it can be considered suitable for skin rejuvenation, treatment of muscle and joint pain, increased hair growth, and healing of wounds.

Learn more:Regular Desensitization

For whom phototherapy is not recommended?

Light therapy is not recommended during pregnancy.. because hormonal changes during this period can make the skin more sensitive..

Other people who should consult a doctor before using phototherapy include:

• People involved in thyroid disorders
• Patients with epilepsy
• People with migraine headaches
• Rakutan tablet users and its derivatives
• People with open wounds
• Diabetes sufferers
• Patients with retinal problems such as macular degeneration

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Benefits of light therapy

Light therapy helps to treat a wide range of diseases such as the following:

1- Light therapy for seasonal depression

One of the main uses of phototherapy is the treatment of seasonal depression... In the method of treating mood disorders with light, the Light Therapy Box is used to increase the level of serotonin and decrease melatonin, especially in the short days of winter.

2- Light therapy for psoriasis

Light therapy is one of the effective methods for treating psoriasis. In this method, ultraviolet (UV) or infrared light is irradiated to the skin affected by psoriasis to reduce the abnormal proliferation of skin cells. In fact, light therapy for psoriasis restores the damaged areas by reducing inflammation and using blood circulation specialists. The nail also improves.

3- Light therapy for blemishes and spots

Spots and spots or vitiligo disease is caused by a disorder in the skin pigments and causes a change in the shape of the skin.. With the help of phototherapy, melanocytes can be stimulated and the skin pigments are restored.... Usually, for this purpose, light therapy with red light is used.

4- Light therapy for facial skin

With the help of light from phototherapy, facial skin cells can be stimulated to perform the skin regeneration process correctly.... Currently, this method is known as an effective non-invasive method to eliminate acne and rejuvenate the skin.... Blue light therapy is useful for eliminating acne-causing bacteria, and red light helps to rejuvenate and increase skin inflammation by rejuvenating and increasing skin inflammation.

In general, the benefits of facial light therapy include the following:

• Eliminating scars
• Smoothing lines of wrinkles
• Stimulation of collagen production
• Preventing the breaking of the protective barrier of the skin
• Strengthening blood circulation
• Lightening of the skin

5- Light therapy for eczema

Eczema is a skin disease with itching and redness that has no definitive treatment and usually recurs periodically... Currently, methods such as phototherapy are effective in controlling the symptoms of this skin disease and preventing its recurrence...

6- Light therapy for cancer

Dynamic phototherapy (PDT) is one of the non-invasive methods for treating some cancers and pre-cancerous lesions that uses a combination of light-sensitive drug and light with a specific wavelength. This method selectively targets cancer cells and destroys them without damaging healthy tissues..

During a cancer phototherapy session, the patient receives a light-sensitive substance intravenously, topically, or orally. The drug selectively accumulates in cancer cells. After a few hours to a few days, the cancerous area is exposed to red, blue, or laser light of a specific wavelength. This light can destroy cancer cells.

7- Light therapy for baby jaundice

One of the common methods for baby jaundice is phototherapy.... In this method, the baby's body is exposed to a special light in a special device.. This helps the liver to break down excess bilirubin and excrete it through feces and urine.

Care before and after light therapy

Phototherapy, depending on its type, requires special care to achieve optimal effectiveness and minimize side effects... Before performing light therapy, it is better to consult with a dermatologist to make sure you are a suitable candidate for this treatment method... Also, the doctor will choose the type of light and the appropriate method of phototherapy according to your conditions... Get advice... After phototherapy, the skin usually becomes sensitive to light.. Therefore, it is better to use sunscreen regularly and avoid exposure to direct sunlight.

What are the side effects of phototherapy?

Light therapy has no dangerous side effects and is known as a safe and secure method.... Some people with more sensitive skin may experience redness and minor burns at the treatment site or experience symptoms such as headache and nausea that disappear after a few days..

Is light therapy possible at home?

Phototherapy at home with the help of LED devices, light boxes or special lamps is possible and can help improve skin problems, regulate mood and reduce muscle pain... However, remember that the use of home devices or phototherapy masks requires compliance with the standards and instructions mentioned by their manufacturer, otherwise it may have the opposite effect.

A brief look at light therapy

Light therapy (light therapy) or phototherapy is a non-invasive and effective treatment method that is performed with natural or artificial ultraviolet, infrared and LED lamps.... This technique can help treat a wide range of diseases and physical disorders, including skin problems, psoriasis, jaundice in babies and seasonal depressive disorder....

In this article from GCORP LLC magazine, we talked in detail about the application, side effects and types of phototherapy.... If you have any questions about the safety of light therapy according to your specific conditions, you can visit the GCORP LLC website and consult with the best specialist doctors, including online dermatologists... Also, GCORP LLC offers this possibility offers you and allows you to make an appointment with the specialist of your choice through the online appointment system to see a dermatologist in person.

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