Effective time frame for Blue Light Therapy

Blue light (photodynamic) therapy is a newer and not quite so well known alternative procedure for the treatment of many common skin conditions as it is effective in removing or reducing marks on the skin and discolored areas caused by acne, stretch marks and spider veins etc (all kinds of pigment distortions and mutations).

Background

Blue light has a wavelength of between 405 4 420 nm (this wavelength is considered by the US-FDA as safe for extended exposure to the skin and is approved for light treatment). This wavelength, coupled with the fact that blue light contains no UV elements, makes it very safe for the skin and the light particles are readily absorbed by the skin as well, causing the elimination of bacteria (especially the p. acnes bacteria).

Usefulness

Light therapy using blue light is known to be effective for the treatment of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder; a type of mood disorder - like the ‘winter blues' etc) using narrow band blue light, the reduction in appearance of stretch marks and the reduction in appearance of spider-veins. This treatment is, however, most effective in the direct treatment of acne, reducing lesions and inflamed pimples and killing the bacteria that cause them (thereby effectively treating acne instead of just reducing it). Many clinical tests conducted by the American and British academies of Dermatology have concluded that blue light of certain intensities can cause the bacteria in the affected area of the skin to absorb the energy and die (about 80% clearance of bacteria in a few treatments has been observed), and have also observed that the exposure of light also helps reduce the marks left on the skin by the acne.

Effective Timeframe for acne treatment

Any treatment is based on the intensity of the problem at hand, chronic cases of acne may be treated by a combination of blue and red light exposure along with the use of some medical aide (like an acne cream or pills which kill the p.acnes bacteria; topical application of ALA, or Levulan®). Generally however, treatment even at clinics, is limited to 15-30 minute sessions of exposure of the affected area to intense blue light LED at close quarters (eye protection must be used as bright light of any kind can cause damage to the sight). The number of sessions can be anywhere from between one and four sessions a week and may also require the application of a simple photosensitizing solution to ensure that the light is absorbed more readily (results may not appear immediately and the treatment may take up to 8 sessions to take effect). The general treatment schedule is dependent upon the severity of the acne; including the length of sessions, the weakly frequency and the intensity of light used. As an example, patients using ALA solution will require 30 minutes of time after the application of the solution so that it absorbs into the skin, before 8 minutes of exposure to the light source about twice a month in some cases. It is advisable to consult a dermatologist for a treatment plan, especially if you plan to conduct self-sessions at home using a portable light source.

References:

Wikipedia

MED SCAPE

www[dot]medscape[dot]com/viewarticle/572288_4.

clinicaltrials[dot]gov/ct2/show/NCT00706433

www[dot]topdocs[dot]com/display_procedure.php?id=bluelight

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