UVB Phototherapy Lamps for Medical Applications
The LightSources Group is a global leader in designing and producing lighting solutions for a wide variety of applications, including UVB phototherapy lamps. Phototherapy is another term for light therapy and involves exposure to ultraviolet light which is highly effective at treating a host of medical conditions. Phototherapy can be administered with UVA, UVB and narrow-band UVB phototherapy lamps, under a doctor’s supervision with specially designed lamps specific to the condition being treated.
UV light is measured by wavelengths, which is referred to as nanometers (nm). UV phototherapy lamps should specify the nanometer at which the light is emitted, to better understand the healing effect it would have on different conditions.
For example, blue light is emitted at a range between 400 – 495 nm, each end of that spectrum providing differing benefits. At the 400 – 415 nm range, patients will benefit from a higher antibacterial effect, but with less penetration to the skin. At the other end of the blue light spectrum from 470 – 495 nm, UV light will better penetrate the skin, but with less antibacterial effect.
How Does a UV Phototherapy Lamp Work?
Phototherapy lamps are highly effective at treating a variety of skin conditions, especially Psoriasis, eczema, acne and vitiligo. Ultraviolet B, UVB, is present in natural sunlight and when emitted at the proper wavelength will penetrate the skin to slow down the rapid growth of skin cells below the epidermal surface that cause Psoriasis. Broad band UVB lamps are commonly used to treat skin conditions, although it can be less effective in areas of skin folds. Narrow-band UVB lamps emit a narrower range of UVB wavelengths and can be effective in hard to reach areas including skin folds.
UVA phototherapy lamps are also used in conjunction with UVB lamps and medication to treat certain medical conditions. UVA, UVB and narrow-band UVB are all used to treat acne, eczema and Psoriasis, while vitiligo, a skin condition caused by a loss of melanin that leaves white blotches on the skin, is effectively treated primarily with narrow-band UVB phototherapy lamps.
Acne is caused by the body’s immune system attacking bacteria in the pores of the skin, making the surrounding area red and inflamed, resulting in a pimple. A combination of red and blue light at opposite ends of the spectrum, are used to successfully treat acne. Blue light wavelengths at 415 nm has a powerful antibacterial effect, whereas red light emissions in the range of 600 – 700 nm stimulates cell growth and repair while soothing inflamed skin.
LightSources Understands the Technology Behind the UV Phototherapy Lamps
It can be confusing to know which type of light and which wavelength, or nanometer, is right for your condition. Therefore, it is important to talk to your doctor and to use the right type of phototherapy lamp prescribed for your condition. Using the wrong lamp with ineffective wavelengths for the healing that you require could do more damage than good.
For example, a tanning bed does not emit the same wavelength, nor does it produce the same healing power, as a UVB phototherapy lamp. According to the World Health Organization and the American Academy of Dermatology, indoor tanning beds increase the risk of developing melanoma by up to 59%.
LightSources understands the technology behind UV phototherapy lamp treatments, which is why we offer a wide selection of highly effective UV phototherapy lamps. Our light therapy lamps include UVA, UVB, narrow-band UVB, LED, and dichroic lamps that are proven safe and effective. When the proper phototherapy lamp is used, UV treatments help to promote healing and decrease uncomfortable skin and other medical conditions, with no harmful side effects.
The LightSources Group is a leading global manufacturer of fluorescent and UV lighting used in a multitude of applications. We design and produce light therapy lamps for all conditions treatable with phototherapy. Contact us today to speak with an experienced engineer and learn more about our UVB phototherapy lamps.