Phototherapy, informally known as light therapy, was used to treat ailments in ancient Egyptian, Hindu, and Chinese medicine, relying on sunlight. Light is a form of energy, and at different wavelengths, ranging from infrared and visible light to ultraviolet light, it can reach different parts of the body and trigger varied physiological actions. Modern phototherapy, which employs artificial lights and is sometimes combined with a light-sensitive drug, can kill bacteria or cancer cells, convert cellular waste into a more water-soluble form, boost mitochondrial activity, and more.
> Red light therapy has its roots in NASA plant research. (More)
> See photos of UV light therapy from the early 1900s. (More)
> The FDA just approved a photodynamic drug for the most common form of skin cancer. (More)
In 1903, a Danish physician won the Nobel Prize for his work using phototherapy to treat a type of skin tuberculosis. More recent advances in artificial lighting and a better understanding of light wavelengths and filtering have led to light-based treatments for a variety of health conditions, such as newborn jaundice, cancer, acne, wrinkles, and mental health conditions.
> Light therapy was widely used as a medical treatment before it was replaced by antibiotics. (More)
> Explore how blue light therapy helps treat jaundice. (More)
> In 1974, a major scientific magazine said light therapy would be on par with traditional drugs within a decade. (More)
Phototherapy is supported by robust research for some applications, particularly for certain skin and cancer therapies. It employs different-colored lights depending on the tissue target, including more penetrating blue LED lights for jaundice treatment and red LED lights for skin-surface issues, such as wrinkles and scars. Research remains limited on using phototherapy to treat broader inflammation or neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease or dementia.
> A Norwegian clinic is integrating circadian-friendly lighting to help treat its patients. (More)
> High-powered red light therapy—delivered directly to nerve fibers—is being investigated as a pain treatment. (More)
Discover more:
> Red light therapy only penetrates the top layers of our skin. (More)
> Age-related macular degeneration is sometimes treated with phototherapy. (More)
> … explore everything we’ve learned about Phototherapy.
