Light Therapy
The advent of new technologies has led to new types of treatment for skin conditions. One of those is known as light therapy, and uses the power of various forms of light rays to heal various skin conditions, including eczema.
How it Works
Daylight or sources of light with certain wavelengths can make the skin healthier. Here’s how. UV radiation, part of the wavelengths of light, actually suppresses the immune system’s ordinary reaction to conditions like eczema. When the immune response is inhibited, it reduces the inflammation of the skin, one of the major symptoms of eczema. In addition, the light rays can kill bacteria, which is also a risk with eczema.
Limitations
Light therapy is especially effective with the application of a special formula called psoralen. This naturally-occuring compound has the ability to absorb UV rays, causing the skin to receive the fullest amount of UV radiation when used in light treatment regimens.
Risks
While UV radiation has some great qualities, it also has some not-so-great qualities. Specifically, UV radiation can cause skin cancer over prolonged or intensive uses. While light treatment may be a great option for some, the risks tend to outweigh he advantages, and it is not a very popular treatment currently.