It is commonly known that a ray of sunshine can brighten ones day and provide a healing effect when you are not feeling well.
However, scientists are taking the power of light to a new level by providing light therapy to a host of diseases. These include, but are not limited to, eczema, pressure ulcers, epilepsy, and back pain. [1]
Dermatologists were the first to use light therapy, also known as phototherapy, to alleviate skin conditions.
In a study at Huddinge University Hospital, Stockholm, researchers used a combination of red light and infrared light with varied pulsations and wavelengths to increase the healing rate of pressure ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers. [2]
In using these treatments, researchers were able to successfully treat these chronic wounds with light therapy.
The therapy increased the healing rate of pressure ulcers by 54 per cent. Additionally, 90 per cent of the pressure ulcer area healed within five weeks, in contrast with nine weeks in a comparison group.
In this prospective, randomized, controlled study, patients were followed for 10 weeks, or until the pressure ulcers healed. Researchers traced the ulcer surface area weekly.
It is believed that as pulsed monochromatic light increases blood flow, larger amounts of oxygen reach the wound area, providing an increased healing rate and shortened healing time.
Do you see light therapy as an effective treatment in relation to wound care? Tell us what you think.
[1] Dobson, Roger. “Bad breath? Sore knee? Then turn on the lights! How doctors are switching to a VERY bright idea. Daily Mail. Web. 23 July 2012.
[2] “Effects of phototherapy on pressure ulcer healing in elderly patients after a falling trauma. A prospective, randomized, controlled study.” National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Web. 23 July 2012.