Fototerápiája

Fototerápiája, often translated as phototherapy, is a medical treatment that uses light to improve a health condition. Different types of light, including natural sunlight and artificial sources like lasers or special lamps, can be employed depending on the ailment being treated. The principle behind phototherapy is that specific wavelengths of light can have therapeutic effects on the body.

One of the most common applications of phototherapy is in the treatment of jaundice in newborns. Bilirubin, a substance that causes jaundice, can be broken down by certain wavelengths of blue light, making it easier for the baby's body to excrete. Another significant use is in dermatology, where phototherapy is utilized to manage skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and vitiligo. Ultraviolet (UV) light, specifically narrowband UVB or PUVA (psoralen plus UVA), can help reduce inflammation and slow down the rapid skin cell growth associated with these conditions.

Beyond these established uses, phototherapy is also explored for other conditions. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression linked to changes in seasons, is often treated with light therapy boxes that mimic natural daylight. Additionally, phototherapy is used in the treatment of certain sleep disorders and in some forms of cancer therapy, such as photodynamic therapy, where a photosensitizing drug is activated by light to destroy cancer cells. The specific parameters of phototherapy, including light intensity, duration, and wavelength, are carefully controlled by medical professionals to ensure effectiveness and minimize potential side effects.