Bright light therapy is a common treatment for seasonal affective disorder.

Light therapy or phototherapy consists of exposure to specific wavelengths of light using lasers, LEDs, fluorescent lamps, dichroic lamps or very bright, full-spectrum light, for a prescribed amount of time. It has proven effective in treating Acne vulgaris, seasonal affective disorder, and for some people it has ameliorated delayed sleep phase syndrome. It has recently been shown effective in non-seasonal depression. Proponents claim demonstrable benefits for skin conditions such as psoriasis and, more controversially, a degree of "skin rejuvenation." Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (2223x1599, 356 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Seasonal affective disorder Light therapy User:Mysid/otherimages ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (2223x1599, 356 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Seasonal affective disorder Light therapy User:Mysid/otherimages ... For alternative meanings see laser (disambiguation). ... “LED” redirects here. ... A compact fluorescent lamp A fluorescent lamp is a type of electric lamp that excites argon and mercury vapor to create luminescence. ... In optics, the term dichroic has two related but distinct meanings. ... For other uses, see Light (disambiguation). ... This article is about a skin disease commonly found during adolescence. ... Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, also known as winter depression or winter blues is an affective, or mood, disorder. ... Delayed sleep-phase syndrome (DSPS) is a chronic disorder of sleep timing. ... On the Threshold of Eternity. ...

Skin related

Acne vulgaris

Blue/red light treatment

Sunlight was long known to improve acne, and this was thought to be due to antibacterial and other effects of the ultraviolet spectrum; which cannot be used as a treatment due to long-term skin damage. However, artificial UV didn't work as well as sunlight.

It was found that some of the visible violet light, present in sunlight, in the range 405-420 nm activates a porphyrin (Coproporphyrin III) in Propionibacterium acnes which damages and ultimately kills the bacteria by releasing singlet oxygen. A total of 320 J/cm² of light within this range renders the bacteria non viable^[1] . This part of the spectrum is just outside the ultraviolet and produces little if any tanning or sunburn. Structure of porphine, the simplest porphyrin. ... Binomial name (Gilchrist 1900) Douglas & Gunter 1946 Propionibacterium acnes is a relatively slow growing, (typically) aerotolerant anaerobic gram positive bacterium that is linked to the skin condition acne; it can also cause chronic blepharitis and endophthalmitis, the latter particularly following intraocular surgery. ...

Application of the light for 3 consecutive days has been shown to reduce the bacteria in the pores by 99.9%. Since there are few porphyrins naturally found in the skin, the treatment is believed safe except in patients with porphyria;^[2] although eye protection is necessary due to light sensitive chemicals in the retina. The light is usually created by fluorescent lamps, bright LEDs or dichroic filament bulbs. Porphyrias are a group of inherited or acquired disorders of certain enzymes in the heme biosynthetic pathway (also called porphyrin pathway). ... Fluorescent lamps in Shinbashi, Tokyo, Japan Assorted types of fluorescent lamps. ... “LED” redirects here. ... In optics, the term dichroic has two related but distinct meanings. ...

Treatment is often accompanied with application of red light which has been shown to activate ATP in human skin cells (essentially a photobiomodulation effect), and seems to improve response rates. Photobiomodulation also called Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), Cold Laser Therapy, Laser Biostimulation, phototherapy or just Laser Therapy, in medicine and veterinary medicine, is one of many Laser applications. ...

Overall improvements of on average 76% for 80% of patients occurs over 3 months; most studies show that it performs better than Benzoyl peroxide but treatment is far better tolerated. However, approximately 10% of users see no improvement.^[1] R-phrases , , S-phrases , , , Autoignition temperature 80°C RTECS number DM8575000 Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 Â°C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references Tube of Basiron, a water-based 5% benzoyl peroxide preparation for the treatment of acne. ...

Home use light boxes usually work well, are effective for people with long-term acne, are likely to be cheaper than dermatologist office light treatments, and can be repeated over several years for negligible cost, as opposed to once weekly or fortnightly. However, the strength of light at a dermatologist clinic is likely to be of a much higher strength, possibly negating the disadvantage of not being used so often, the most prominent model of which is Omnilux. As of 2007 even though they are not cheap, the cost is on a par with the total cost of benzoyl peroxide, moisturiser and facial washes over the total life of the light box, and the light boxes may yet get cheaper due to economies of scale. Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ...

Photodynamic therapy

Application in a dermatologist's office is usually much more costly, and not necessarily any more effective, but the visible blue light is sometimes used with off-label use of aminolevulinic acid; this causes the bacteria to generate more than normal quantities of porphyrins and this greatly improves response. Whilst temporary redness and edema is experienced, this can give over a year of clearance with just a few applications. Shown is close up of surgeons hands in an operating room with a beam of light traveling along fiber optics for photodynamic therapy. ...

There is some skepticism and lack of data over some of the treatments of acne vulgaris through visible light, mainly for the newer and relatively experimental photodynamic treatments. For more information.^[3]

Psoriasis and eczema

A feature of Psoriasis is localised inflammation mediated by the immune system. UV radiation is known to suppress the immune system and reduce inflammatory responses. Light Therapy for skin conditions like Psoriasis or Eczema use UVA (315-400nm waveband) or UVB (280-315nm waveband) light waves. UVA normally combined with an orally taken drug is known as PUVA treatment. Narrow Band UVB is the 310nm wave length and is given as a light therapy treatment rather than full spectrum UVB. For the beetle, see Exema. ... Uva is a three-letter abbreviation with multiple meanings, as described below: Uva Province in Sri Lanka Uva is a parish in the Portuguese municipality of Vimioso Ultraviolet-A rays (UV-A) Ultraviolet Light Absorber University of Virginia (UVa), in the United States Universiteit van Amsterdam (UvA), one of the... Note: Ultraviolet is also the name of a 1998 UK television miniseries about vampires. ... PUVA is a Psoralen + UVA treatment. ...

Tanning

Tanning is caused by the effects of two different types of ultraviolet radiation: UVA and UVB. For other uses, see Ultraviolet (disambiguation). ...

'Antiaging'

Visible red light at 660nm activates ATP in skin cells and increase the rate of production of collagen for a few days, giving a lifting effect. No permanent improvement of skin aging has been demonstrated, but completion of the healing of skin damage does seem to proceed faster.

Wound healing and neuropathy

Monochromatic infrared light emitted at a wavelength of 890nm has been shown effective through limited clinical studies, to help restore sensation and reduce pain in patients with Neuropathy, and to improve circulation, thus increasing the healing rate, of non-healing ulcers. It is thought that the infrared light helps to release nitric oxide into the bloodstream, which aids in increasing local circulation and improving blood flow. People with diabetes have poor circulation due to their naturally low levels of nitric oxide and sedentary habits. Neuropathy is usually short for peripheral neuropathy, meaning a disease of the peripheral nervous system. ... R-phrases , , , , S-phrases , , , Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 Â°C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references Nitric oxide or Nitrogen monoxide is a chemical compound with chemical formula NO. This gas is an important signaling molecule in the body of... This article is about the disease that features high blood sugar. ...

Mood and sleep related

Seasonal affective disorder

Full sunlight is preferred for seasonal affective disorder. Other treatments are based upon infrared light exposure. There are a number of products (such as light boxes) using very intense artificial illumination that are effective for seasonal affective disorder. These products provide 10,000 lux directed angularly at the user's eyes, without harmful ultraviolet radiation. Prism splitting light High Resolution Solar Spectrum Sunlight in the broad sense is the total spectrum of the electromagnetic radiation given off by the Sun. ... For other uses, see Infrared (disambiguation). ... Not to be confused with lightning. ... Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, also known as winter depression or winter blues is an affective, or mood, disorder. ... The lux (symbol: lx) is the SI derived unit of illuminance or illumination. ... For other uses, see Ultraviolet (disambiguation). ...

New research indicates that using only certain wavelengths of light (i.e., the "blue" wavelengths) is at least as efficacious as using 10,000 lux,^[4] at least until one approaches old age, when blue light is no longer more effective than red or green. The most effective wavelengths of blue light are given as ranging between 460 nm and 480 nm by most sources, with some sources specifying peak photopigment sensitivity at 479 nm (in mice).^[5]

Non-seasonal depression

Only recently have clinical studies been conducted which specifically excluded all patients with any degree of seasonality.^[6] Before these studies, there was suspicion that any depressed patients who benefitted from light treatment were really only having the SAD component of their depression treated. However, light therapy is now an established treatment for depression, regardless of seasonality,^[7][8] and has certain advantages over drugs, in that it might take less time to see a benefit (typically antidepressant drugs take several weeks to reach full effectiveness). Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, also known as winter depression or winter blues is an affective, or mood, disorder. ...

Delayed sleep phase syndrome

When treating delayed sleep phase syndrome, the timing of the exposure is critical. The light must be provided as soon after spontaneous awakening as possible to achieve the desired effect. Some users have reported success with lights that turn on shortly before waking (dawn simulation). Delayed sleep-phase syndrome (DSPS) is a chronic disorder of sleep timing. ... Dawn Simulation is an experimental technique used in the treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as winter depression. ...

See Also: Phase response curve Phase response curve (PRC) illustrates the relationship between the timing of administration of a sleep phase affecting drug or treatment, and the effect on the sleep phase (a/k/a sleep timing). ...

Neonatal jaundice

For more details on this topic, see Neonatal jaundice.

Light energy creates isomerization of the bilirubin and consequently transformation into compounds that the newborn can excrete via urine and stools. Jaundice, also known as icterus (adjective:Icteric), is yellowing of the skin, sclera (the white of the eyes) and mucous membranes caused by increased levels of bilirubin in the human body. ... Bilirubin is a yellow breakdown product of normal heme catabolism. ...

Jet lag

Light therapy is considered a viable treatment for jet lag^[9]. Exposure to bright light during the appropriate time periods before, during and after air travel can reduce the symptoms of jet lag and accelerate the recalibration of the body clock. NASA has used timed doses of bright light to prepare astronauts for late night launches since 1991.^[10] Jet lag (or jet-lag) is a physical condition caused by crossing multiple time zones during flight. ... A circadian rhythm is a roughly-24-hour cycle in the physiological processes of living beings, including plants, animals, fungi and cyanobacteria. ... The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) (IPA [ˈnæsə]) is an agency of the United States government, responsible for the nations public space program. ...

Heliotherapy

Within the tanning and spa industry the term "heliotherapy" has become popular to describe medical therapy by exposure to light, usually in the UVA/UVB range. This could include direct sunlight but more often refers to the use of tanning beds and booths which make use of both ultraviolet and infrared. The treatment of psoriasis, eczema, vitamin D deficiency and seasonal affective disorder are included. As with any exposure to UV, there are some risks associated, but these are usually outweighed by the benefits provided by the treatments. Often, UV treatments are given at a doctor's office, but it is becoming more common for a doctor to prescribe regular visits in a tanning bed for persons who have moderate problems, as this is lower in UV than medical devices, and is more convenient and less expensive for the patient. In very rare and extreme cases, the purchase of home tanning beds are prescribed by a doctor and covered by insurance. For other uses, see Ultraviolet (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Infrared (disambiguation). ... For the beetle, see Exema. ... Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that contributes to the maintenance of normal levels of calcium and phosphorus in the bloodstream. ... Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, also known as winter depression or winter blues is an affective, or mood, disorder. ...

There is also evidence that exposure to some frequencies of light (UV in particular) causes the body to release small amounts of endorphins,^[11] which would explain the benefit for some disorders such as SAD, as endorphins are often called "the body's own morphine", as well as the concerns for potential tanning addiction, not to be confused with what is commonly called tanorexia, a psychological syndrome wherein patients see themselves as pale, even if they have a substantial tan. Tanning addiction is a syndrome where an individual has a physical addiction to the endorphine rush that a minority experience when they sunbathe or use tanning beds. ... Image:Http://img138. ...

Disadvantages

Safety of phototherapy

Ultraviolet light causes progressive damage to human skin. This is mediated by genetic damage, collagen damage, as well as destruction of vitamin A and Vitamin C in the skin and free radical generation. The structure of retinol, the most common dietary form of vitamin A Vitamin A is an essential human nutrient. ... This article is about the nutrient. ...

Visible blue light has been suggested to cause DNA breaks, but carcinogenesis has not been demonstrated, and enzymes within the cells are believed to repair the breaks reasonably well.^{[citation needed]} However, cancer has been induced in cells with deliberately damaged repair mechanisms. Also, researchers have questioned whether limiting blue light exposure could reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD).^[12] In medicine, carcinoma is any cancer that arises from epithelial cells. ... Listen to this article · (info) This audio file was created from an article revision dated 2005-07-19, and does not reflect subsequent edits to the article. ...

Modern phototherapy lamps used in the treatment of seasonal affective disorder and delayed sleep-phase syndrome do not emit ultraviolet light and are considered safe and effective for the intended purpose, as long as photosensitizing drugs are not being taken at the same time and in the absence of any existing eye conditions. Light therapy is a mood altering treatment, and just as with drug treatments, there is a possibility of triggering a manic state from a depressive state, causing anxiety, and other side effects. While these side-effects are usually controllable, it is recommended that patients undertake light-therapy under the supervision of an experienced clinician, rather than attempting to self-medicate.^[13]

Contraindications

There are few absolute contraindications to light therapy, although there are some circumstances in which caution is required. These include when the patient 1) has a condition that might render his or her eyes more vulnerable to phototoxicity, 2) has a tendency toward mania, 3) has a photosensitive skin condition, or 4) is taking a photosensitizing medication or herb.^[14] Patients with porphyria should avoid most forms of light therapy. Patients on certain drugs like methotrxate or chloroquine should use caution with light therapy as there is a chance that these drugs could cause porphyria. Porphyrias are a group of inherited or acquired disorders of certain enzymes in the heme biosynthetic pathway (also called porphyrin pathway). ... Porphyrias are a group of inherited or acquired disorders of certain enzymes in the heme biosynthetic pathway (also called porphyrin pathway). ...

Side effects

Side effects of light therapy for sleep phase disorders include jumpiness or jitteriness, feeling "wired," headache, and nausea. Some nondepressive physical complaints (such as poor vision and skin rash or irritation) may improve with light therapy (M. Terman and Terman 1999).^[15]

See also

• Chromotherapy
• Dermatology
• Photobiomodulation
• Tanning bed
• Tanning lamp

This does not cite its references or sources. ... Dermatology (from Greek δερμα, skin) is a branch of medicine dealing with the skin and its appendages (hair, sweat glands, etc). ... Photobiomodulation also called Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), Cold Laser Therapy, Laser Biostimulation, phototherapy or just Laser Therapy, in medicine and veterinary medicine, is one of many Laser applications. ... A sunbed, with lights off. ... Typical tanning lamp with F71T12 markings. ...

References