Blue Light Therapy Results

Blue light therapy, also referred to as photodynamic therapy, is a medical treatment in which a drug is applied to the skin and activated with a light source. This therapy is currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treatment of several cancers, and is also being tested as a treatment for other medical conditions. Before undergoing blue light therapy for cancer, skin conditions and other disorders, ensure that your selected provider has the experience and credentials needed to achieve successful blue light therapy results.

Cancer Treatment

As of 2009, the Food and Drug Administration has approved blue light therapy for esophageal cancer, non-small cell lung cancer and the precancerous changes associated with Barrett's esophagus. In order for blue light therapy to be effective as a cancer treatment, the cancer must be close to the tissue's surface. This is because the light source cannot penetrate deep into affected tissues. This therapy is also being investigated for use in the treatment of cervical cancer, brain cancer, prostate cancer and cancer of the peritoneal cavity, which contains the abdominal organs.

Newborn Jaundice

Some infants are affected by a condition known as jaundice, which occurs when a newborn has too much of the pigment bilirubin. As bilirubin builds up in the bloodstream, the skin and whites of the eyes may take on a yellow tint. Blue light therapy is used to treat this condition. Infants with jaundice are exposed to blue light, which helps speed up the breakdown of bilirubin. Once the bilirubin is excreted from the body, the jaundice disappears.

Dermatology

Blue light therapy is used very effectively in treating skin disorders such as rosacea, acne, sun damage, oily skin, wrinkles, psoriasis, skin cancer and enlarged sebaceous glands. This therapy is FDA-approved for the treatment of a precancerous skin condition known as actinic keratosis. This condition is characterized by scaly patches on skin that has been exposed to sunlight. Some of the blue light therapy results on skin conditions include improvement of fine lines, blotchy pigmentation and sun damage. During a skin therapy session, a photosensitizer is applied to clean skin. This medicine is allowed to incubate for anywhere from 30 minutes to 18 hours. The photosensitizer is then activated with the light source. This can cause heat, warmth, tingling or burning in some people. Once the treatment is complete, the skin is washed and sunscreen is applied.

Precautions

According to Harvard Health Publications, blue light therapy is overall safe. There are a small number of precautions to be aware of. Protecting of your eyes from the ultraviolet rays is important. Most light boxes have a cover called Plexiglas over the bulbs, which helps to shield the ultraviolet rays. If you are a patient with a bipolar disorder, it may affect your mood. People who are diabetic or have a retina disease have a higher chance for damaging their eyes with the rays.