Choosing the Right Phototherapy Lamp

Neonatal phototherapy lamps, phototherapy lamps for dermatology and aesthetic medicine, and lamps for orthopedic treatments stand out as the most common.

• Neonatal phototherapy lamps project blue or white light with a wavelength between 450 and 495 nm onto the newborn’s body. Absorbed through the skin, the light helps to transform the indirect bilirubin present in the blood into a form that is easier for the kidneys and biliary system to eliminate. This eliminates excess bilirubin, a bile pigment produced by the liver during the breakdown of red blood cells, which can accumulate on the skin of newborns, especially premature babies. Phototherapy thus helps to treat jaundice in babies.
• Phototherapy lamps for dermatology and aesthetic medicine: These devices are used in non-invasive and painless procedures to treat skin diseases or promote skin rejuvenation. Despite its questionable general effectiveness in this area, phototherapy, especially LED therapy, helps to reduce skin inflammation, accelerates healing, has an immunostimulating effect, and promotes collagen production. Treatment protocols generally involve one or two sessions a week, for a total of eight to ten sessions, which can be combined with other procedures (peeling, laser, etc.). There are phototherapy lamps that are easy to operate and which carry very few risks. As such, they are also suitable for domestic use.
• Phototherapy lamps for orthopedic treatments: Certain tissues, such as tendons, ligaments, and cartilage, are poorly vascularized, which makes it difficult for them to heal and regenerate. Phototherapy promotes tissue repair in injuries, has anti-inflammatory effects, and relieves pain. This technique seems to be just as effective in the initial phase of acute pain as it is in chronic problems.

Tende Elektronik neonatal phototherapy lamp

When buying a phototherapy lamp, several factors must be taken into account. Here are the main ones.

• Applications:
  – Neonatal care
  – Orthopedic treatments
  – Dermatology and aesthetic medicine: Acne, skin rejuvenation, healing of skin lesions, non-melanoma skin cancer, increased activity of the lymphatic system, treatment of superficial and deep wrinkles, superficial hyperpigmentation, rosacea, etc.
• Users: Whether the device is intended for use by healthcare professionals or whether it is designed for home use, i.e. by private individuals.
• Available wavelengths (more information in the next section).
• The lifespan of the different light sources: LEDs are more expensive than halogen and fluorescent lamps, but the latter have to be replaced more often. As LEDs last longer, they are more economical in the long term.
• Power/dose density (mW/cm² or J/cm²).
• Ergonomics/configuration: There are hand-held models, wall-mounted models, models with castors, models for mounting on cribs, height-adjustable models, etc.
• Price: The price varies depending on the quality of the product, the type of light source, the configuration of the device, and whether it is professional medical equipment or not.

Dr. Hönle Medizintechnik portable UV phototherapy lamp for dermatology

The light spectrum of phototherapy lamps ranges from infrared (IR) (around 800 nm) to ultraviolet-B (UV-B) (around 300 nm). The most common wavelengths are as follows:

• Neonatal phototherapy: wavelength 450 to 495 nm
• Phototherapy for the treatment of psoriasis: wavelength from 308 to 311 nm
• Phototherapy for alopecia and hair loss: around 650 nm
• Phototherapy for acne treatment: from 405 to 420 nm
• Phototherapy for skin rejuvenation: 590 to 630 nm

Hydrosun Medizintechnik near-infrared phototherapy lamp for dermatology

The three main types of light sources used in neonatal phototherapy devices are halogen lamps, fluorescent lamps, and LEDs (including LEDs combined with fiber optics).

• Halogen bulbs: These bulbs produce a white or yellow light. They tend to get very hot and can even burn. Care must therefore be taken to avoid the risk of dehydration or burns in newborns.
• Fluorescent lamps: These produce a blue or green light, which is very effective due to the ease with which it penetrates the baby’s skin and is absorbed by the skin’s bilirubin. However, like halogen bulbs, fluorescent bulbs can lose their light intensity over time and need to be changed frequently.
• LEDs: LED (light-emitting diode) technology, especially the latest technology, has progressively replaced halogen and fluorescent lamps. It is a reliable and inexpensive technology. It also offers greater lighting intensity, generates less heat, and consumes less energy. LED light is an excellent option for neonatal phototherapy, as it is also easily absorbed by skin bilirubin and generates very little heat. As such, it is safe for use on babies.
• LEDs and fiber optics: The light is spread by fiber optics, so these devices can be used in direct contact with the baby’s skin. Known as “Biliblankets”, they can be light-up blankets to wrap around the newborn, or light-up mattresses to lay the baby on. The fiber optic mesh is connected to a light generator. Biliblanket phototherapy is widely used in hospitals, but it is also perfectly suited to home use. It offers a minimally invasive solution and allows parents to feed, hold, or dress their newborn without interrupting treatments.

Atom Medical’s “Biliblanket” for neonatal phototherapy