Phototherapy - what is it? Phototherapy for newborns

In autumn and winter, there is a decrease in sunlight, and because of its lack, vitality begins to decrease, there are problems with sleeping, there are seasonal depression and stress. In this case, phototherapy comes to the rescue. What it is? This is a procedure that replenishes the lack of sunlight and maintains the body's health for a long time. Many doctors recommend to their patients this method of treatment.

The concept of phototherapy

Many have heard of such a procedure as phototherapy. What it is? This is a safe and sufficiently effective therapeutic technique that involves treatment with bright light having waves of different lengths from such artificial sources as light emitting diodes, dichroic or fluorescent lamps, lasers. The most commonly used is ultraviolet irradiation, which has a white color, but a source of radiation with a spectrum of red and infrared rays predominant .

Indications for the procedure

The main indications for phototherapy are depression, including seasonal, as well as insomnia and chronic fatigue.

In addition, doctors recommend this method of treatment if the following skin problems are present:

• psoriasis;
• Mushroom mycosis;
• atopic dermatitis;
• Vitiligo.

Contraindications for phototherapy

This procedure of light therapy is forbidden to people who have certain eye diseases, or with such pathologies that can affect the retina of the eye. Therefore, you should always consult a doctor.

In addition, phototherapy can not be administered to people who suffer from increased photosensitivity or who take drugs that increase eye sensitivity to light, such as lithium or essential oils based on bergamot, angelica and citrus. Also, the procedure is forbidden to people undergoing treatment for epilepsy.

The procedure for phototherapy

During the procedure, the patient opens the part of the body that needs treatment. Those areas that do not need an additional light source are left closed and well protected. To protect your lips, neck and some parts of your hands, you need to apply sunscreen. In order not to damage the vision with ultraviolet radiation, special glasses are used.

It is not necessary to sit in one place during phototherapy, you can also move around. The main thing is that the light of the lamp is always in your field of vision.

Effective devices for conducting procedures

What is the most effective phototherapy device? A large number of devices have been developed that are used for this purpose. In cosmetology, most often used light-emitting diodes, halogen, fluorescent and dichroic lamps, lasers.

The technical feature of the lamps lies in the large width and brightness of the emission spectrum. In general, the brightness varies between 2500-10 000 lux. The length of the session depends on this indicator. Such lamps are sold in specialized stores.

Currently, the apparatus "Dune", which is represented by modern phototherapy, is becoming very popular. What it is? This device, which for many years was used in the department of purulent surgery clinic outpatient surgery of the Military Medical Academy. It is valuable because of its simplicity of device, compactness, reliability and safety. Now "Dune" - the apparatus of phototherapy, Considered the most effective of all instruments used for this procedure. Its creation is based on the deep healing effect of sunlight on the tissues of the human body, namely the most healing rays with wavelengths in the red and infrared ranges.

Thanks to the device "Dune" in the tissues of the body begin to occur biochemical processes that restore the structure of cells. This unique device and is currently represented by phototherapy. The instruction to this device emphasizes a huge range of beneficial effects on the human body. It can also be used for home procedures.

Phototherapy for newborns

Jaundice often accompanies newly born children. Phototherapy is successfully coping with this disease. All maternity hospitals are equipped with special facilities for such procedures. Phototherapy for newborns is carried out as follows: the baby is completely undressed and, depending on the condition, is placed in a crib, kuvez or resuscitation. The eyes and genitals are closed with a special bandage made of opaque material, which must be watched, otherwise it can move and close the respiratory tract. Eyes are best protected with special glasses that hold on your head better than bandages.

For the procedure include a special installation. It is located above the baby at a distance of about 50 cm, and it must be ensured that the air does not overheat. The body position should be changed every two hours, while measuring the child's temperature. During the phototherapy, the amount of daily liquid is increased.

Side effects of phototherapy for newborns

This procedure can lead to side effects, so the nursing staff and parents of the baby should monitor this. The newborn can blush the skin, change the character of the stool and cause dehydration. Sometimes there are allergic reactions, which after the procedure is canceled after a while. No consequences in the future after phototherapy in these children do not arise.

Conclusion

Many people often have a question: phototherapy - what is it? And they are surprised to hear that this treatment is light. This procedure is considered relatively safe, helping to combat the lack of sunlight, leading to many diseases. If after its occurrence there were side effects, you should definitely consult a doctor.