An image of a lady doing red light therapy at homeAn image of a lady doing red light therapy at home

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Phototherapy: A Comprehensive Guide

by John Tsenekos | September 15, 2022
What is phototherapy? Simply put, it is the use of light to treat various skin conditions. It has a long history dating back to ancient times, and remains an important treatment option for many skin diseases today. In this post, we will explore all aspects of this therapy – from its history to its current use in treating various skin conditions. We will also take a look at the pros and cons, as well as the associated costs.

Phototherapy

An image depicting professional treatment of red light therapy
So, what exactly is phototherapy? It is the use of ultraviolet (UV) light to help treat various skin conditions. The three types of UV light that are most commonly used are UVA, UVB, and UVC. Each type of light has different effects on the skin, which will be discussed in more detail later on. This therapy can be done in a doctor’s office or at home with special equipment.

First Uses

Now let’s take a look at the history of this therapy. One of the earliest recorded uses of phototherapy was by the ancient Egyptians. They would expose their skin to the sun for therapeutic benefits. In more recent history, UV therapy started to be used in the early 1900s to treat skin diseases such as psoriasis and vitiligo.
Niels Finsen was the first person to receive the Nobel Prize in Medicine for his work on phototherapy. He discovered that certain wavelengths of light could be used to treat skin diseases. He also developed the first medical device, which is still used today.

What Conditions Can Phototherapy Be Used to Treat?

There are many different skin conditions that can be helped with this therapy. In fact, it is one of the most versatile skin treatments available. Some of the most common conditions include eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, and atopic dermatitis. It can also be used to treat acne, jaundice, and certain types of cancer.
UV light therapy can be a great way to improve your skin health and treat conditions that you may be struggling with. If you think this type of treatment could be right for you, talk to your dermatologist to see if it is an option.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Now that we’ve covered what phototherapy is and its history, let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons associated with this treatment. One of the main advantages is that it is relatively safe when done under the supervision of a medical professional. It is also a non-invasive treatment with few side effects. Additionally, it can be used to treat a wide variety of skin conditions.
On the downside, it can be expensive, and it may not be covered by insurance. It can also take several weeks or months to see results. In some cases, it may not be effective at all.
If you are considering this treatment, be sure to discuss the advantages and disadvantages with your dermatologist to see if it is right for you.

Costs

The cost will vary depending on a number of factors, such as the type of treatment, the severity of your condition, and how many sessions you will need. Generally speaking, each session can cost anywhere from $30 to $100.
An image of a lady doing blue and red light therapy at home

At Home Devices

Though phototherapy has been used as a treatment for skin conditions for centuries, it is only recently that at home devices have become available to the public. These devices are designed to allow people to treat themselves with UV light in the comfort of their own homes.
One of the main advantages is that it is convenient and easy to use. You can use it any time you want, without having to go to a doctor’s office or clinic. Additionally, these devices are typically much economic than getting treatments from a professional.
Phototherapy can be a great way to improve your skin health and treat conditions that you may be struggling with. If you think this type of treatment could be right for you, talk to your doctor to see if it is an option. 

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