Light therapy is a technique that involves using special lights as a means to treat various diseases, even in newborns with jaundice, which is a yellowish skin tone; it can also be used to combat wrinkles and skin spots, as well as diseases such as psoriasis, vitiligo or eczema for example.
Light therapy can even be used by dermatologists to promote rejuvenation and treat small skin spots that may be caused by the sun. A special type of light, diode-emitted light (LED), is used in sessions, which stimulates inhibition of activity cells.
Light therapy is indicated for the treatment of situations such as
To treat these and other conditions, your dermatologist may recommend 2 or 3 sessions per week. However, this technique should not be used during the embargo when the increase in bilirubin in newborns is caused by kidney or liver problems; also in cases of porphyria, albinism, lupus erythematosus in pemphigus. Characters who have helped or close to family members, such as priests or siblings with cancer; there, as individuals using arsenic, they were exposed to ionizing radiation, in case of cataracts or apháquia; I don’t need to do this kind of treatment.
Light therapy has an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive action, and is useful for reducing cell overproduction in specific areas of the skin, in some cases the doctor may indicate the use of medications such as retinoids, methotrexate or cyclosporine, before exposure to light. to enhance the effect of light therapy.
During treatment, the person should remain in the treated area exposed to light, protecting the eyes with an eye mask that should be maintained throughout treatment.
The baby born with hyperbilirubinemia should usually remain in a special cage, receiving light therapy treatment in order to eliminate excess bilirubin orally, the causes of this excess may be related to the use of certain medications during childbirth, such as diazepine, oxytocin during delivery. and, in case of normal delivery, the use of forceps or suction cups; or in case of heavy bleeding.
The newborn is usually placed under a white or blue light, which can be placed 30 to 50 cm from their skin and with their eyes covered with a specific sale, for as long as the pediatrician determines.
Light therapy is especially suitable for babies with jaundice because it prevents excess bilirubin from accumulating in the brain, as this condition can cause serious changes.
Light therapy should only be used as a medical indication, in accordance with its recommendations regarding the number of sessions and duration of each session, to ensure a safe method of treatment. Although not common, light therapy can increase the risk of developing skin cancer, such as melanoma, when used for long periods of time in sensitive people, as well as those with a family history of skin cancer.
Apparently, the use of light therapy for the treatment of hyperbilirubinemia and other skin changes does not cause cancer, a problem that has never been proven in scientific research.