At one point or another in our lives, we all face pain. Whether it’s an injury, surgery, arthritis, or just everyday aches, pain is a part of life. There are many ways to manage it, but phototherapy is an option you may not be familiar with. This is a popular therapy that uses light to help reduce pain. What is it about ? What are the benefits and indications to consider? Read on to learn more.
Phototherapy: Quesaco?
Phototherapy is a treatment that uses safe and controlled exposure to specific wavelengths of light to treat a number of conditions. Light is often diffused by an array of LEDs, and exposure is usually closely monitored by a medical professional. The most common type of phototherapy uses ultraviolet (UV) light, which is known to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation. Of course, there are other forms of phototherapy that depend on the severity of the condition to be treated.
How could phototherapy help?
Phototherapy has been shown to be effective in treating conditions such as:
- Psoriasis.
- Sleep disorders.
- Eczema and atopic dermatitis.
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
- Vitiligo.
- Cancerous lesions.
- Acne.
- Infant jaundice.
What are the benefits of phototherapy?
Although it may seem like a recent trend, people have been using sunlight to treat medical issues for centuries. In the early 1800s, doctors began to notice that tuberculosis patients improved when they spent time in the sun. Since then, research has shown that exposure to sunlight can be an effective treatment for a variety of conditions, from psoriasis to depression.
The benefits of sunlight has undergone a revolution. Hence the origin of this therapy which aims to give you the same benefits of sunlight at all times. Generally, UV light helps kill bacteria and slow the growth of skin cells, which can reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Besides treating specific skin conditions, phototherapy can also help improve the overall appearance of the skin. UV light helps stimulate collagen production, which can lead to smoother skin and a more youthful appearance. As it can increase the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of happiness and well-being. Therefore, phototherapy can be an effective way to treat both physical and mental health issues.
A phototherapy session: how does it work?
A phototherapy session usually lasts between 10 and 30 minutes. During this time, the patient sits or stands in a special booth lined with light-emitting panels. The light emitted by the housing is similar to that of natural sunlight, but it is much brighter. This increased brightness is believed to stimulate certain areas of the brain, which improves mood and reduces symptoms.
Of course, the intensity of the light is controlled so that the patient does not feel any discomfort. In most cases, the patient will be asked to remove any accessories or jewelry that could cast shadows on the skin. He may also be asked to wear dark-tinted glasses to protect his eyes from bright light. Once the session begins, the patient should simply relax and allow the light to penetrate their skin.
How to properly prepare for a phototherapy session?
If you have scheduled a phototherapy session, there are some things you should avoid and some things you should do on the day to get the most from your treatment.
To avoid :
- First, don’t wear perfume or aftershave, as they can be UV sensitive and cause sunburn.
- You should also avoid applying creams containing vitamin D, as they will be rendered ineffective by phototherapy.
- If you cut your hair during treatment and it reveals part of your neck, be sure to expose that area to UV light gradually rather than all at once.
- Finally, avoid taking photosensitizing drugs. And if you still need to take it, be sure to notify the practitioner.
What you need to do:
- Before starting a phototherapy treatment, it is important to take the time to prepare your skin.
- Begin by removing any makeup or other products from your face.
- Next, you will need to cleanse your skin thoroughly. Be sure to use a gentle cleanser and avoid rubbing as they can irritate the skin.
- Privilege a complete hydration of your skin to prepare it for better absorption of UV light.
- It’s best to always wear goggles to cover your eyes and dedicated goggles to protect your genitals if you’re a man.
Phototherapy: Side effects and contraindications.
Side effects :
Although phototherapy is generally considered safe, there are some potential side effects that patients should be aware of. These include:
- Sunburns.
- From the dryness of the skin.
- Eye damage.
- From premature aging.
- Of a risk of skin cancer.
As with any medical treatment, it is important to speak with a doctor before starting phototherapy to ensure the risks are understood and the treatment is likely to be effective.
Contraindications:
First of all, people sensitive to light or suffering from certain diseases like lupus or porphyria should avoid phototherapy. Additionally, people taking certain medications that make the skin more sensitive to light (such as tetracyclines) should also avoid this treatment.
Finally, pregnant women and young children should consult their doctor before starting phototherapy. Although the risks are generally low, it is important to be aware of these contraindications in order to avoid any potential complications.
