Ultraviolet light therapy, sometimes referred to as phototherapy, is generally considered an alternative healing technique. It usually involves exposing a person to light in attempts to treat conditions such as cancer, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and psoriasis. This type of therapy is believed to be effective because light is believed to prompt reactions by the immune system or the enzymatic systems.
People with a wide range of conditions may be encouraged to undergo ultraviolet light therapy. It is believed that this type of treatment began to be used in the 20th century. Although the act of exposing people to light to cure or manage their health problems has grown over time, ultraviolet light therapy is still not considered a conventional treatment in the beginning of the 21st century.
There are several types of ultraviolet light therapy. For example, chromatography, is a method that involves exposing a person to colored light. This method is often referred to as colored light therapy, and according to beliefs, various colors are effective in treating different conditions. With ultraviolet blood irridation, a person's blood is removed and exposed to light instead of the patient being exposed. Afterward, the treated blood is reintroduced into the body, where it is then believed to be capable of fighting bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.
In addition to there being various methods, the administration of a chosen method of ultraviolet light therapy may not be the same for everyone. The type of condition and the severity of that condition are factors that are used to determine the length and frequency of ultraviolet exposure that is needed. There are numerous types of devices available to facilitate this type of treatment. Many of them allow individuals to undergo treatment at home. It is also common to find light treatments available at spas, where it is used for beauty and wellness purposes.
The effectiveness of ultraviolet light therapy for most conditions is not supported by scientific evidence. This leads to it being classified in the category of alternative healing. There are some cases where it is widely noted as effective and when it is used conventionally. One of the most well known is the use of blue light to eliminate excessive bilirubin in babies' blood.
Ultraviolet light therapy is considered a low-risk treatment. There generally are not any side effects. It has been noted, however, that this therapy may increase a person's chances of skin cancer, result in premature aging, or aggravate sun-induced eczema.