In the autumn and winter periods, there is a decrease in sunlight, and because of its lack, vitality begins to decrease, problems with sleep appear, seasonal depression and stress occur. In this case, phototherapy comes to the rescue. What it is? This is a procedure that compensates for the lack of sunlight and supports the body's health for a rather long time. Many doctors recommend this method of treatment to their patients.
The concept of phototherapy
Many have heard of a procedure such as phototherapy. What it is? This is a safe and quite effective therapeutic technique, which involves treatment with bright light having waves of different lengths from such artificial sources as light emitting diodes, dichroic or fluorescent lamps, lasers. Most often, ultraviolet radiation is used, which has a white color, but such a radiation source can be used in the spectrum of which red and infrared rays predominate .
Indications for the procedure
The main indications for phototherapy are depression, including seasonal, as well as insomnia and chronic fatigue.
In addition, doctors recommend this treatment if there are the following skin problems:
- psoriasis;
- mushroom mycosis;
- atopic dermatitis;
- vitiligo.
Contraindications for phototherapy
Such a phototherapy procedure is prohibited for people with certain eye diseases, or with pathologies that can affect the retina. Therefore, be sure to consult a doctor.
In addition, phototherapy can not be carried out for people suffering from increased photosensitivity or taking drugs that increase the sensitivity of the eyes to light, such as lithium or essential oils based on bergamot, angelica, citrus. Also, the procedure is prohibited for people undergoing treatment for epilepsy.
The procedure for phototherapy
During the procedure, the patient opens the part of the body that needs treatment. Those areas that do not need an additional light source are left closed and well protected. To protect the lips, neck and some parts of the hands, sunscreen is necessary. In order not to damage the eyes with ultraviolet radiation, use special glasses.
During phototherapy, it is not necessary to sit in one place, you can move around. The main thing is that the lamp light is constantly in your field of vision.
Effective instruments for carrying out procedures
What is the most effective phototherapy apparatus? A large number of devices have been developed that are used for these purposes. In cosmetology, light emitting diodes, halogen, fluorescent and dichroic lamps, lasers are most often used.
The technical feature of the lamps is the large width and brightness of the radiation spectrum. Basically, the brightness varies between 2500-10 000 lux. The duration of the session depends on this indicator. Such lamps are sold in specialized stores.
At present, the Dune apparatus, which presents modern phototherapy, is gaining great popularity. What it is? This is a device that has been used for many years in the purulent surgery department of the clinic for outpatient surgery of the Military Medical Academy. It is valuable for its simplicity, compactness, reliability and safety. Now “Dune” is a phototherapy apparatus, considered the most effective of all devices used for this procedure. Its creation is based on the deep healing effect of sunlight on the tissues of the human body, namely the most healing rays with wavelengths in the red and infrared ranges.
Thanks to the Dune instrument, biochemical processes that restore the structure of cells begin to occur in the tissues of the body. This unique device is presented today phototherapy. The instructions for this device emphasize a huge range of beneficial effects on the human body. It can also be used for carrying out procedures at home.
Phototherapy for newborns
Jaundice often accompanies newly born children. Phototherapy successfully copes with this disease. All maternity hospitals are equipped with special facilities for such procedures. Phototherapy for newborns is carried out as follows: the baby is completely undressed and, depending on the condition, is placed in a crib, a couveuse or intensive care unit. The eyes and genitals are covered with a special dressing made of a lightproof material, which must be monitored, otherwise it may shift and close the airways. Eyes are best protected with special glasses that hold on your head better than a bandage.
For the procedure include a special installation. It is located above the baby at a distance of about 50 cm, and it must be ensured that the air does not overheat. The body position should be changed every two hours, while measuring the temperature in the child. During phototherapy, the amount of daily fluid is increased.
Side effects of phototherapy for newborns
This procedure can lead to side effects, so the medical staff and the parents of the baby should monitor this. In a newborn, the skin may turn red, the nature of the stool may change, and dehydration may occur. Allergic reactions are sometimes observed, which after a procedure cancellation disappear after a while. No consequences in the future after phototherapy in such children arise.
Conclusion
Many people often ask: phototherapy - what is it? And they are surprised to hear that this is a cure with light. Such a procedure is considered relatively safe, helping to combat the lack of sunlight, which leads to many diseases. If after its occurrence there were side effects, you should definitely consult a doctor.