Light Therapy for Skin Conditions

Light therapy, or phototherapy, refers to the use of UV light or specific wavelengths of light (such as lasers) to treat skin diseases. In the past, light therapy primarily involved the use of ultraviolet (UV) energy to treat inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. However, due to the increased risk of skin cancer associated with UV exposure, the use of UV light has decreased in recent years.

Currently, light therapy is rapidly evolving and expanding its applications. It has proven to be particularly useful in the treatment of various skin conditions and the improvement of different medical situations. The use of specific wavelengths of light, instead of broad-spectrum UV, has allowed for more targeted and effective treatments while minimizing the risks associated with UV exposure.

This modern approach to light therapy, utilizing precise wavelengths of light, has opened up new avenues for the management of a wide range of skin diseases and medical conditions, offering a safer and more effective alternative to traditional treatments.

1. Light Therapy for Acne

Acne is primarily caused by thickening of the skin’s sebaceous follicles and increased oil production, leading to clogged pores and the accumulation of sebum, which causes inflammation of the sebaceous glands. This results in mild forms of acne, such as whiteheads and blackheads, as well as more severe, destructive papules or pustules. There are various treatment methods for acne. Mild cases are often treated with topical ointments, while more severe cases may require oral medications. The Asclepion Mediostar 810/940nm Diode Laser is a cryogenic optical laser that utilizes a unique dual-wavelength system, outputting specific 810nm and 940nm laser wavelengths. This laser has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which help reduce acne-related redness and sensitivity. It can effectively stop the continued growth of inflamed acne, extract acne impurities, and repair acne-related inflammation. This laser treatment can effectively improve acne and acne-related redness and sensitivity, while also reducing pore size. The Asclepion laser is equipped with a dual cooling system that automatically monitors epidermal temperature and provides effective, rapid cooling to protect the skin. The laser treatment not only performs skin remodeling but also simultaneously repairs and improves sensitive skin. This makes it suitable for individuals suffering from acne problems, or as a supplementary treatment after discontinuing oral medications to prevent recurrence. The treatment does not require any downtime, and patients can return to their normal activities and apply makeup immediately after the treatment.

2. Laser Therapy for Fungal Nail Infections

Fungal infections are caused by fungi that are commonly found in the environment, and they are very prevalent in Hong Kong, affecting people of all ages. Poor skin hygiene, old age, and chronic conditions such as diabetes or weakened immune systems can increase the risk of fungal infections. Warm, humid, and enclosed environments can also contribute to the development of fungal infections.

The symptoms of fungal infections vary depending on the type of infection and the affected body part, often appearing on the skin, hair, and nails.

Fungal nail infections, also known as onychomycosis, occur when the fingernails, toenails, or nail beds are infected by fungi. Since fungal infections are contagious and can easily spread to family members, especially the young or those with weakened immune systems, prompt treatment is essential.

Most fungal infections can be treated with topical antifungal medications. However, if the infection is widespread or severe, oral antifungal medications may be necessary. The treatment duration can range from several weeks to half a year, highlighting the importance of prevention.

Oral medications can have side effects such as gastrointestinal upset, liver damage, and allergic reactions, requiring regular blood tests to monitor the situation. If topical medications are ineffective, or if oral medications cause side effects, doctors may consider laser therapy to target the fungal infection on the skin, nails, or nail beds.

Laser therapy for fungal nail infections uses a 1064nm long-pulse laser to effectively penetrate the infected skin, utilizing the laser’s photothermal principle to thoroughly kill or inhibit fungal growth. The treatment is safe, with a low risk of skin, nail bed, or nail groove damage, and does not cause redness or swelling after treatment, with no downtime and no scarring.

When traditional treatments are ineffective, or when patients experience side effects from medications, laser therapy can be a viable option, often used in combination with topical and oral medications. Most patients have shown significant improvement after treatment, effectively shortening the treatment duration and reducing the risk of recurrence. Recent clinical studies have demonstrated that laser therapy is a more effective treatment for fungal nail infections compared to oral or topical medications. Combining laser therapy with antifungal medications can lead to even better outcomes.

3. Laser Treatment for Birthmarks

Birthmarks are caused by abnormal proliferation of pigment cells beneath the skin, or the expansion of tiny blood vessels in the skin, resulting in altered shapes and colors on the skin surface. Birthmarks come in a variety of colors, such as port-wine stains, café-au-lait spots, Ota’s nevi, and congenital purple or black birthmarks. Generally, birthmarks can be classified into two types: pigmented and vascular, with further subcategories based on their morphology and distribution in the skin layers. With the advancement of medical technology, birthmarks can now be removed. Laser treatment for birthmarks requires an initial assessment by a doctor to determine the appropriate laser for the specific type of birthmark. For pigmented birthmarks, picosecond lasers are typically used to deeply and selectively disrupt the melanin pigment within the birthmark. For vascular birthmarks, vascular lasers are employed to destroy the abnormal blood vessels. The birthmark removal process may result in some wound formation, which typically heals within about seven days. Multiple laser treatment sessions are usually required to successfully remove birthmarks. Over time, the color of the birthmark will gradually fade and improve after the laser treatments. Following the procedure, ongoing sun protection and moisturization are important, and the doctor will provide further guidance on the aftercare routine.