- Indications and contraindications
- How it works
- Phototherapy in newborns
- Can phototherapy cause cancer?
Phototherapy consists of using special lights as a form of treatment, being widely used in newborns who are born with jaundice, a yellowish tone on the skin, but which can also be useful to combat wrinkles and spots on the skin, in addition to diseases such as psoriasis, vitiligo eczema, for example.
Phototherapy can also be used by physiotherapists to promote rejuvenation and combat small skin patches that can be caused by the sun. In the sessions a special type of light is used, the Light Emitted by Diode (LED) that stimulates or inhibits cellular activity.
Indications and contraindications
Phototherapy is indicated for the treatment of situations such as:
- Hyperbilirubinemia of the newborn; Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma; Psoriasis and parapsoriasis; Scleroderma; Lichen planus; Dandruff; Chronic eczema; Chronic urticaria; Purple: Rejuvenation and elimination of face and hand spots.
To treat these and other diseases, the dermatologist may recommend 2 or 3 sessions per week. However, this technique should not be used during pregnancy or when the increase in bilirubin in the newborn is caused by kidney or liver problems, in case of porphyria, albinism, lupus erythematosus and pemphigus. People who have had cancer or close family members such as parents, grandparents or siblings with cancer should also not undergo this type of treatment, as well as people who used arsenic or had been exposed to ionizing radiation, and in case of cataracts or aphakia.
How it works
Phototherapy has an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive action, in addition to being useful for reducing the overproduction of cells in specific skin locations. Sometimes, to enhance the effects of phototherapy, the doctor may prescribe the use of medications such as retinoids, methotrexate or cyclosporine before exposure to light.
During treatment, the person must remain with the treated area exposed to light, protecting the eyes with a kind of eye patch that must be maintained throughout the treatment.
Phototherapy in newborns
The baby who is born with hyperbilirubinemia usually has to stay in a special crib, undergoing phototherapy to eliminate excess bilirubin through the urine. The causes of this excess may be related to the use of medications during pregnancy, such as diazepan, oxytocin during delivery and also in the case of normal delivery using forceps or suction cups, or when there is heavy bleeding.
The newborn is usually placed under a white or blue light, which can be placed 30 or 50 cm away from his skin, with his eyes properly covered with a specific blindfold, for the time determined by the pediatrician.
Phototherapy is especially suitable for babies who are born with a very yellow color because it prevents excess bilirubin from accumulating in the brain and can cause serious changes.
Can phototherapy cause cancer?
Phototherapy should only be used under medical advice, complying with its recommendations regarding the number of sessions and the time of each one for this to be a safe method of treatment. Although not common, phototherapy can increase the risk of developing skin cancer, such as melanoma, when used for long periods, in susceptible people, such as those who have cases of melanoma in the family.
Apparently, the use of phototherapy to treat hyperbilirubinemia and other skin disorders does not cause cancer because this can never be proven in scientific research.
