Light Therapy

• March 8, 2023
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LIGHT THERAPY

Light therapy (also known as phototherapy) is a non-invasive treatment that utilizes concentrated wavelengths of light to address both medical and cosmetic dermatological issues. Certain forms of light therapy can be used to reduce the symptoms of chronic skin conditions like psoriasis or vitiligo, while others can repair and rejuvenate the skin.

There are several effective forms of light therapy including:

Blu-U (Blue Light Therapy)

This form of light therapy transfers blue light to the skin using specialized LED lamps. Blu-U light therapy can treat a host of chronic skin conditions. It is often used as treatment for acne as blue light has been shown to both reduce overproduction of oil (sebum) while simultaneously eliminating bacteria from within pores. Blue light is also effective at addressing actinic keratoses (AKs) as treatments can destroy precancerous lesions while leaving surrounding healthy tissue unaffected.

NB-UVB Phototherapy Booth

Phototherapy booths expose the skin to precise levels of narrow band ultraviolet B (referred to as NB-UVB) light in order to treat and prevent symptom flare-ups from a variety of chronic skin conditions including eczema and psoriasis. Controlled UV light exposure treatments like phototherapy booths harness the immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory benefits of UVB light while minimizing the harmful effects that can occur through broad UV exposure or tanning beds. Phototherapy booth treatments are simple: patients stand in a UVB booth to expose the skin to UVB rays for a targeted amount of time, ranging from only a few seconds to several minutes.

WHAT CONDITIONS CAN LIGHT THERAPY TREAT?

Light therapy has the ability to address a variety of medical and cosmetic skin issues including:

Acne

Actinic Keratoses (AK’s)

Rosacea

Psoriasis

Vitiligo

Eczema

Atopic Dermatitis

Scleroderma

Hyperpigmentation

Wrinkles

Sun Damage

Your physician may recommend incorporating a topical medication in conjunction with the light therapy treatment in order to make the targeted area more sensitive to the light, resulting in a more effective treatment.

WHAT AREAS OF THE BODY CAN BE TREATED?

Light therapy is safe and effective for use on all areas of the body. Commonly treated areas include the face, chest, back, legs, arms, and hands.

HOW LONG ARE LIGHT THERAPY TREATMENTS?

Treatment time can vary from patient to patient, depending on their needs. The number of treatment sessions needed can also vary by patient need. While some patients realize their desired results after a single light therapy session, usually patients will need multiple treatment sessions of a specified period.

IS LIGHT THERAPY COVERED BY MEDICAL INSURANCE?

Light therapy may be covered by medical insurance if the insurance provider determines that treatment is medically necessary. Patients should contact their insurance provider to verify that their particular policy will cover light therapy prior to beginning treatment.

 

The Light Therapy Booth is available at our Traverse City location.