Blue light therapy is a treatment that uses a combination of photosynthesizing drugs and a high-intensity light source to activate them. The light used is a natural violet or blue light, and it’s considered to be an alternative treatment. Blue light therapy can only treat areas that the light can reach, so it’s typically used to treat conditions present on, or just underneath, the surface of the skin. It is most commonly used to treat sun damage and premalignant or malignant skin cancer growths. Blue light therapy can also treat other types of skin disorders, such as acne, scars caused by acne, and sebaceous hyperplasia, which is enlarged oil glands. In addition to treating skin conditions and cancer, blue light therapy can also be used as a treatment for depression.

Blue light therapy is safe and has few side effects. The largest risk associated with the treatment is the temporary increased sensitivity to light. The treatment is very comfortable and essentially painless. The treated area will heal in about one week, leaving a dryness and a mild sunburn on the lesion. Patients are advised to stay out of the sun and keep it protected for 24-48 hours. While blue light therapy is an effective treatment, there is a chance for continued periodic treatments for those with actinic keratosis, depending on the severity of sun damage and one’s inability to avoid the sun.

The chemical solution used in blue light therapy is called Ameluz. The reaction from the product, oxygen, and the blue light then destroys the precancerous cells, preventing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and the need for surgeries or more invasive treatments in the future. The timeframe of the treatment depends on the area needing to be treated and can take anywhere from 15-90 minutes long.

In conclusion, blue light therapy is an effective treatment for skin conditions and cancer when used repeatedly and when the individual being treated makes maintenance appointments. It is a non-invasive process that uses a natural violet or blue light to activate photosynthesizing drugs. The treatment is safe and has few side effects. The chemical solution used in blue light therapy is called Ameluz.