MedWorm: Light Therapy

Spring Forward, Fall Back Into Depression?

About.com Depression — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 05:42:01 +0100

While many look forward to Daylight Saving Time and having more light at the end of the day, others, especially those with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), may find themselves slipping back into depression at this time of year. SAD, according to experts, is caused by a disturbance in our circadian rhythm. Light entering into the eye controls this rhythm; but, during the winter months when days are shorter we may not be exposed to sufficient light during the morning hours, throwing our circadian rhythm off-balance and creating the symptoms of SAD (depression, fatigue and a craving for sweets). For those with SAD, the longer days of spring bring relief from depression. The arrival of Daylight Saving Time, however, may cause a temporary return of these symptoms as you are forced to once...

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Health news: Potato juice cures indigestion and how light therapy helps skin conditions

the Mail online | Health — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 09:10:22 +0100

Health stories from around the world this week include a new study which found drinking potato juice daily can help indigestion. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

Seasonal affective disorder increasingly a workplace issue

Los Angeles Times - Science — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 01:20:00 +0100

Some employees seek adjustments for SAD, serious depression triggered by limited daylight. One teacher sued a school district that refused to move her from a windowless basement room. Since she was hired two years ago as a medical assistant, Jennifer Simonsis has come to an agreement with her employer: During the winter, she gets time off to see her doctor, frequent breaks and help in setting up a light-therapy lamp at her desk. (Source: Los Angeles Times - Science)

Peginterferon--2b: Exacerbation of psoriasis, treated with UVB light therapy: case report

Reactions — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:50:10 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

Quiz Page March 2010: Pruritus in Advanced CKD

American Journal of Kidney Diseases — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:56:18 +0100

A 55-year-old man with a history of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) presented with generalized pruritus for > 6 months. The patient had no history of allergic or atopic disease. Physical examination showed generalized xerosis and hyperpigmentation of the trunk (). No papules, pustules, or vesicles were noted, but hyperkeratosis and heavy crusting were present on both palms (). Routine blood tests showed the following values: urea nitrogen, 49 mg/dL (17.4 mmol/L); serum creatinine, 5.3 mg/dL (468.5 μmol/L, estimated glomerular filtration rate, 12.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 [0.21 mL/s/1.73 m2]); calcium, 9.2 mg/dL (2.3 mmol/L); phosphate, 5.2 mg/dL (1.6 mmol/L); and hemoglobin, 6.4 g/dL (64 g/L). Despite treatment with topical emollients, oral antihistamine, a...

Prevention of depression and sleep disturbances in elderly with memory-problems by activation of the biological clock with light - a randomized clinical trial

Trials — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This study investigates whether long-term daily bright light prevents worsening of sleep-wake rhythms and depressive symptoms in elderly people with memory complaints. Patients with early Alzheimer's Disease (AD), Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Subjective Memory Complaints (SMC), between the ages of 50 and 75, are included in a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. For the duration of two years, patients are exposed to ~10,000 lux in the active condition or ~300 lux in the placebo condition, daily, for two half-hour sessions at fixed times in the morning and evening. Neuropsychological, behavioral, physiological and endocrine measures are assessed at baseline and follow-up every five to six months.DiscussionIf bright light therapy attenuates the worsening of sleep-wake rhy...

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Can You Treat Acne With an iPhone App?

WebMD Health — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 20:24:29 +0100

Some dermatologists are skeptical about the effectiveness of an iPhone app that promises to treat acne with light therapy. (Source: WebMD Health)

Impact of ambient bright light on agitation in dementia

International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

To evaluate the effect of ambient bright light therapy (BLT) on agitation among institutionalized persons with dementia.High intensity, low glare ambient lighting was installed in activity and dining areas of a state psychiatric hospital unit in North Carolina and a dementia-specific residential care facility in Oregon. The study employed a cluster-unit crossover design involving four ambient lighting conditions: AM bright light, PM bright light, All Day bright light, and Standard light. Sixty-six older persons with dementia participated. Outcome measures included direct observation by research personnel and completion by staff caregivers of the 14-item, short form of the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI).Analyses of observational data revealed that for participants with mild/mode...

Light Therapy Investigated as Alternative for Focal Seizures

Medscape Today Headlines — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 16:42:58 +0100

Preliminary work suggests that a small UV-emitting diode might be useful in focal epilepsy as an alternative to drugs or surgery. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Feeling SAD? Try lightening the mood

Telegraph Health — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:45:23 +0100

Seasonal affective disorder is growing. But there are products that can brighten our day. (Source: Telegraph Health)

Managing the patient with shift-work disorder.

The Journal of Family Practice — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Thorpy MJ Behavioral measures, eg, exercise and improved sleep hygiene, can enhance sleep quality and combat insomnia and excessive sleepiness (ES) in shift workers and individuals with shift-work disorder (SWD). Napping before a shift followed by consumption of a caffeinated drink and, if appropriate, scheduled naps at work, may improve ES in patients with SWD. Use of bright light therapy to partially re-entrain the circadian clock should be explored for all night-shift workers-particularly those with SWD. The wakefulness-promoting agents armodafinil and modafinil are FDA approved for the treatment of ES in patients with SWD. Alongside nonpharmacologic interventions, they can be included in a comprehensive management plan for SWD. Melatonin or other sleep-promoting agents may...

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Acute antidepressant response to sleep deprivation combined with light therapy is influenced by the catechol-O-methyltransferase Val(108/158)Met polymorphism

Journal of Affective Disorders — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 14:37:25 +0100

Abstract: Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inactivates norepinephrine and dopamine via methyl conjugation, and a G–A transition in the COMT gene (rs4680) influences the enzyme activity. It is a current area of debate whether rs4680 can influence antidepressant response in major depressive disorder, and whether this influence extends to bipolar depression. Chronotherapeutic interventions, such as sleep deprivation and light therapy, are multi-target in nature and are effective in bipolar depression.Here we studied the effect of rs4680 on response to sleep deprivation combined with light therapy (36 h awake followed by a night of undisturbed sleep, with 10,000 lx light administered for 30 min during the night awake and upon awakening) in 87 bipolar depressed inpatients.Patients who w...

The Effects of Helium-Neon Light Therapy on Healing of Partial Osteotomy of the Tibia in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats

Photomedicine and Laser Surgery — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 00:35:47 +0100

Photomedicine and Laser Surgery Dec 2009, Vol. 27, No. 6: 907-912. (Source: Photomedicine and Laser Surgery)

Light Therapy

Sound Medicine — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

And finally this week, the winter solstice is upon us. Short days, long nights, and a lot of dark. Barbara West meets with Suzy Cohen, registered pharmacist and author of the syndicated "Dear Pharmacist" column. Cohen says that, especially at this time of year, lots of us would benefit from more light..... (Source: Sound Medicine)

Biphasic dose response in low level light therapy.

Dose Response — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:06:03 +0100

Authors: Huang YY, Chen AC, Carroll JD, Hamblin MR The use of low levels of visible or near infrared light for reducing pain, inflammation and edema, promoting healing of wounds, deeper tissues and nerves, and preventing cell death and tissue damage has been known for over forty years since the invention of lasers. Despite many reports of positive findings from experiments conducted in vitro, in animal models and in randomized controlled clinical trials, LLLT remains controversial in mainstream medicine. The biochemical mechanisms underlying the positive effects are incompletely understood, and the complexity of rationally choosing amongst a large number of illumination parameters such as wavelength, fluence, power density, pulse structure and treatment timing has led to the publicatio...

Measures to counteract the negative effects of night work.

Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: There is some research supporting countermeasures (eg, bright light, melatonin, naps, use of stimulants, proper work scheduling) as a means to improve adaptation to night work. However, there is little evidence that such countermeasures reduce the long-term health consequences of night work. Future studies should aim at identifying both work and individual factors which are related to differential health outcomes of night work. Better study designs (eg, longitudinal designs and use of standardized outcome measures) are needed in future research. PMID: 20011984 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health)

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Intense pulsed light vs. pulsed-dye laser in the treatment of facial acne: a randomized split-face trial

Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion Both PDL and IPL were found to treat acne effectively, but PDL showed a more sustained effect. TGF-[beta] might play a key role in the resolution of inflammatory acne lesions. (Source: Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology)

Is light therapy a good depression treatment option?

MayoClinic.com Full Feed — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 06:00:00 +0100

Light therapy is a good treatment option for seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Sponsored by:Chemotherapy.com - http://www.chemotherapy.com (Source: MayoClinic.com Full Feed)

Topical antioxidant application augments the effects of intense pulsed light therapy

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion The addition of polyphenolic antioxidants to an IPL regimen improved the clinical, biochemical, and histological changes seen following IPL treatment alone. These data support the use of multimodal therapy to create synergy and to optimize clinical outcomes in nonablative facial skin rejuvenation. (Source: Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology)

Before You Buy a Light Box

About.com Depression — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

There are many products on the market that claim to help Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), but not all meet the recommended requirements. These are the requirements recommended by the Center for Environmental Therapeutics (CET) for effective light box therapy. Make sure that any unit you purchase meets these specifications. Light Box Requirements : Feeling SAD As the Days Grow Shorter? SAD Symptoms The Best Treatment for SAD Alternatives to Bright Light Therapy for SAD Light Therapy for Disorders Other Than SAD Before You Buy a Light Box originally appeared on About.com Depression on Sunday, November 8th, 2009 at 00:30:48.Permalink | Comment | Email this (Source: About.com Depression)

DTB discusses the management of patients with seasonal affective disorder

NeLM - Mental Health — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Source: Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin Area: Evidence > Disease Focused Reviews The November 2009 issue of the Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin (DTB) features an article discussing the management of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) - 'recurrent major depressive episodes with seasonal pattern' thought to affect up to 6% of the UK population. The article looks at the symptoms and causes of SAD, its clinical course, diagnosis, and treatments. The authors discuss the available evidence for the following treatments: . Conventional antidepressants (acute treatment and prevention) . Light therapy . Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) . Self-help and complementary treatments . Negative ion generators The article concludes with a look ...

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Psychotherapy may brighten SAD beyond light

CBC | Health — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 22:41:51 +0100

Psychotherapy may be a better remedy for people with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) than light therapy, a new study suggests. (Source: CBC | Health)

Efficacy of 308-nm excimer light for Japanese patients with psoriasis

The Journal of Dermatology — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:00:46 +0100

Ultraviolet irradiation therapy, including psoralen and ultraviolet A therapy and narrow-band ultraviolet B (310[ndash]312 nm) therapy, is a widely used and highly efficient treatment modality for psoriasis. Therapy with 308-nm excimer light has been reported to be effective for the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris. To evaluate the efficacy of 308-nm excimer light therapy for Japanese psoriasis patients, seven patients (six men and one woman) with plaque-type psoriasis were treated with 308-nm excimer light at 7[ndash]14-day intervals. The Psoriasis Severity Index (PSI) was calculated for individual plaques in order to assess the effectiveness of the therapy. A 74.9% mean improvement in the PSI was observed after 10 treatment sessions. These results suggested that targeted irradiation with ...

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Helps Overcome Winter Blues

Modern Medicine — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Patients with seasonal affective disorder who undergo a one-year course of cognitive behavioral therapy, either on its own or in combination with light therapy, are less likely to have a recurrence of winter depression than their counterparts who undergo light therapy alone, according to a study in the September issue of Behavior Therapy. (Source: Modern Medicine)

CBT Better Than Light Therapy for Prevention of SAD?

About.com Depression — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 09:33:52 +0100

In a study comparing light therapy versus cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for the treatment of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), University of Vermont researcher Kelly Rohan found that CBT may be most effective at preventing future episodes of the disorder. Rohan randomized 69 people with SAD, a form of depression which occurs during the fall and winter months, into one of four groups: light therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, a combination of the two or a wait-list control group. She then surveyed the participants the following winter to determine how well the interventions had prevented a recurrence of the disorder. Rohan determined that only 7% of the group treated with CBT had a recurrence, compared to 36.7% of those treated with light therapy. The recurrence in the combination ...

New Guidelines For The Management Of Psoriasis With Ultraviolet Light Therapy

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 08:00:00 +0100

Based on an extensive review of the highest quality scientific literature on psoriasis and the opinion of recognized psoriasis experts, the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy) has released new guidelines of care for the management and treatment of psoriasis with ultraviolet (UV) light therapy also known as phototherapy. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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New Guidelines for the Management of Psoriasis with Ultraviolet Light Therapy

MedlinePlus Health News — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 04:35:55 +0100

Source: American Academy of Dermatology Related MedlinePlus Topic: Psoriasis (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

For SAD Sufferers, Cognitive Behavior Better Than Light Therapy At Preventing Recurrence, Study Suggests

ScienceDaily Headlines — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 09:00:00 +0100

A new research study examined the long-term effects of different treatments for seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of severe depression that occurs annually in the fall and winter seasons. Of those treated with cognitive behavior therapy, only 7 percent had a recurrence compared to 36.7 percent of people treated with light therapy. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

A review of the role of assistive technology for people with dementia in the hours of darkness.

Technology and Health Care — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 01:44:06 +0100

The objective of this literature review is to evaluate reported healthcare technologies appropriate to night time care. This paper summarises and categorises the current evidence base. In all, 131 abstracts were returned from a database search, yielding fifty four relevant papers which were considered in detail. While night-time specific studies identified very few papers (4 papers, 7%), most of the more general AT findings could be adopted to benefit night-time assistance. Studies have used technology for prompting and reminding as loss of time and forgetfulness are major problems; for monitoring daily activities in a sensor enriched environment and utilised location aware technologies to provide information to enhance safety. Technology also supports a range of therapies to alleviate sym...

For SAD Sufferers, Cognitive Behavior Better Than Light Therapy At Preventing Recurrence

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 09:00:00 +0100

In the September issue of the journal Behavior Therapy, University of Vermont psychologist Kelly Rohan presents the first published research study of the long-term effects of different treatments for seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of severe depression that occurs annually in the fall and winter seasons. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Guidelines of care for the management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: Section 5. Guidelines of care for the treatment of psoriasis with phototherapy and photochemotherapy

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Psoriasis is a common, chronic, inflammatory, multisystem disease with predominantly skin and joint manifestations affecting approximately 2% of the population. In this fifth of 6 sections of the guidelines of care for psoriasis, we discuss the use of ultraviolet (UV) light therapy for the treatment of patients with psoriasis. Treatment should be tailored to meet individual patients' needs. We will discuss in detail the efficacy and safety as well as offer recommendations for the use of phototherapy, including narrowband and broadband UVB and photochemotherapy using psoralen plus UVA, alone and in combination with topical and systemic agents. We will also discuss the available data for the use of the excimer laser in the targeted treatment of psoriasis. Finally, where available, we will su...

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Photodynamic Therapy Effective For Certain Head And Neck Cancers

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 11:00:00 +0100

A combination of medications and a particular light therapy is effective at treating certain types of head and neck cancers in subtropical climates. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Photodynamic therapy effective for certain head and neck cancers

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 04:00:00 +0100

(American Academy of Otolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery) A combination of medications and a particular light therapy is effective at treating certain types of head and neck cancers in subtropical climates. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Researching morphea: UV-A1 phototherapy recommended for darker-skinned patients

Modern Medicine — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

World report — Darker-skinned patients with morphea and related diseases are as likely to benefit from ultraviolet (UV) light therapy as patients with lighter skin. Some clinicians had speculated that the increased level of melanin found in darker skin might impede UV-A1, but that does not appear to be the case. (Source: Modern Medicine)

Green tea extract helps remove facial wrinkles fast

Monsters and Critics Health News — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 03:08:01 +0100

Hamburg - A combination of LED light therapy and a lotion made from green tea extract is far more (Source: Monsters and Critics Health News)

Efficacy of light therapy in nonseasonal depression: a systematic review

NeLM - Complementary Medicine — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Source: DARE Area: Evidence > Complementary Medicine CRD Summary: This review concluded that bright light therapy was an excellent candidate for inclusion in the treatment options available for non-seasonal depression as additional therapy to antidepressant medication. Given the methodological limitations of the included studies and a lack of reporting on the review processes, the authors' conclusions need to be treated with some caution and confirmed in further studies. CRD Commentary: This review had broadly defined inclusion criteria for participants, intervention and study design. The exclusion of studies that did not meet light duration and intensity criteria for SAD may have biased the results. Searching was based on two databases and a range of other sources. Only published mater...

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Biophoton Detection and Low-Intensity Light Therapy: A Potential Clinical Partnership

Photomedicine and Laser Surgery — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:47:16 +0100

Photomedicine and Laser Surgery , Vol. 0, No. 0. (Source: Photomedicine and Laser Surgery)

Investigating factors associated with depression of older women in Macau

Journal of Clinical Nursing — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion. Providing a suitable living environment and improving health conditions for older people may improve depressive symptoms, and maintaining their cognitive function and improving their functional abilities may be crucial for preventing suffering from depressive symptoms. Apart from the findings, these conclusions resonate with recent Macau guidance on managing depression in older women. This stresses the importance of prevention, early detection and stepped care, with more intensive treatment for greater severity of illness and a multifaceted approach to management.Relevance to clinical practice. It is important to regularly screen for depressive symptoms among older women in the community. Focusing on older women with increasing physical disability and social isolation should he...

Spectroscopic correlates of antidepressant response to sleep deprivation and light therapy: A 3.0 Tesla study of bipolar depression

Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 13:42:17 +0100

Abstract: Glutamate is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter of the human brain, and recent findings suggest a role for the glutamatergic system in the pathophysiology and treatment of mood disorders. Single proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) was used to study the relative in vivo levels of brain neural metabolites. We evaluated the effect of antidepressant treatments on the relative concentration of unresolved glutamate and glutamine (Glx) with GABA contamination (2.35 ppm peak) using single voxel 1H-MRS at 3.0 Tesla. We studied 19 inpatients (7 males, 12 females) affected by bipolar disorder type I, current depressive episode without psychotic features, before and after 1 week of treatment with repeated total sleep deprivation (TSD) combined with light therapy (LT). Chrono...

[Depression during pregnancy and its treatment.]

Der Nervenarzt — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Bader A, Frisch U, Wirz-Justice A, Riecher-Rössler A Approximately 11% of pregnant women suffer from major depression which requires treatment and if left untreated there are risks of preterm delivery or low birth weight. The initial difficulty lies in diagnosing the depression itself, as many symptoms of depression can be ascribed to the pregnancy. A further challenge is choosing the appropriate therapy. Treatment options are psychotherapy, antidepressants, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or the new possibility of light therapy. A growing number of reports on the side effects of antidepressants in pregnancy have led to uncertainties as to how to proceed. Thus, choosing the most suitable treatment needs to be made together with the pregnant woman and a careful clarificati...

[Delayed sleep phase type sleep disorder and chronotherapy]

Turkish Journal of Psychiatry — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 03:04:03 +0100

Authors: Gökben Hizli F, Yücel Ağargün M Delayed sleep phase type sleep disorder is a circadian rhythm disorder that results in symptoms of sleep-onset insomnia and difficulty awakening at a desired time. Patients with delayed sleep phase-type sleep disorder can be treated with chronotherapy, light therapy, vitamin B12, or melatonin. Chronotherapy is a behavioral technique in which sleep time is systematically delayed. Herein we report a 48-year-old woman that presented with delayed sleep onset and describe chronotherapy as a treatment approach. PMID: 19504369 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Source: Turkish Journal of Psychiatry)

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Winter depression recurrence one year after cognitive-behavioral therapy, light therapy, or combination treatment.

Behavior Therapy — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 04:36:23 +0100

Authors: Rohan KJ, Roecklein KA, Lacy TJ, Vacek PM The central public health challenge in the management of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is prevention of depression recurrence each fall/winter season. The need for time-limited treatments with enduring effects is underscored by questionable long-term compliance with clinical practice guidelines recommending daily light therapy during the symptomatic months each year. We previously developed a SAD-tailored group cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and tested its acute efficacy in 2 pilot studies. Here, we report an intent-to-treat (ITT) analysis of outcomes during the subsequent winter season (i.e., approximately 1 year after acute treatment) using participants randomized to CBT, light therapy, and combination treatment across our pi...

Secrets to Fast Healing

NaturalNews.com — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 07:00:00 +0100

(NaturalNews) Sam Baker, three-time All-American at USC and first-round 2008 NFL draft pick, came to the Whitaker Wellness Institute before he reported to the Atlanta Falcons training camp last year. "My trainer recommended that I receive treatment at the clinic to help me build muscle and gain strength. It really did wonders for me. The therapies I received helped me increase my energy and even improved my body composition. I was also introduced to a number of treatments that helped me recover quickly from injuries I'd sustained during my senior year at USC. I believe these therapies gave me a competitive edge and helped me get back to optimal health so I could perform at my best again."Of course, most of us aren't going to be playing NFL football anytime soon. But regardless of activity ...

Contemporary Hair Transplantation

Dermatologic Surgery — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

The field of hair transplantation has evolved considerably over the last quarter century. Performed correctly, the cosmetic results of contemporary hair transplantation are virtually undetectable in women and men. Large, pluggy "punch grafts" have been replaced with natural-appearing follicular unit grafts, which maintain their existing anatomy and with proper technique can match the orientation of surrounding hair follicles. To review all of the steps involved in hair transplantation surgery and to provide an overview of medications used in conjunction with transplantation to help prevent hair loss. The authors review key aspects of the consultation, physical examination, selection of appropriate candidates, excision of donor area, hairline design, graft creation and placement, and postop...

Culture Clinic: Clive Anderson

Telegraph Health — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 09:43:37 +0100

TV presenter Clive Anderson lets his answers do the talking in a little light therapy (Source: Telegraph Health)

High-tech bandages lighten the load of light therapy

Nature Medicine — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 11:09:10 +0100

Nature Medicine 15, 713 (2009). doi:10.1038/nm0709-713a Author: Jon Evans (Source: Nature Medicine)

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The Potential of Light Therapy for Central Nervous System Injury and Disease

Photomedicine and Laser Surgery — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:12:32 +0100

Photomedicine and Laser Surgery Jun 2009, Vol. 27, No. 3: 379-380. (Source: Photomedicine and Laser Surgery)

A review of current research in light-based technologies for treatment of podiatric infectious disease States.

Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Bornstein E Recently, there has been a resurgence of interest in potential phototherapy technologies for the local treatment of bacterial and fungal infection. Currently, onychomycosis is the principle disease that is the target of these phototherapies in podiatric medicine. Some of these technologies are currently undergoing in vitro and in vivo trials approved by institutional review boards. The three light-based technologies are ultraviolet light therapy, near infrared photo-inactivation therapy, and photothermal ablative antisepsis. Each of these technologies have markedly dissimilar mechanisms of action. In this review, each technology will be discussed from the perspectives of history, photobiology, individual mechanism of action, safety, and potential clinical efficacy,...

New light therapy treatment destroys breast cancer cells

Nursing Times Breaking News — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 10:30:00 +0100

Scientists are to unveil a groundbreaking non-invasive light treatment for breast cancer at this year’s Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition. (Source: Nursing Times Breaking News)

Light Therapy Offers New Hope For Breast Cancer Patients

Cancer / Oncology News From Medical News Today — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 07:00:00 +0100

A groundbreaking non-invasive breast cancer treatment will be unveiled at this year's Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition . Scientists led by world-renowned breast cancer expert, Mr Mo Keshtgar, are the first to use photodynamic therapy (PDT) to treat what is now the most common cancer in the UK. (Source: Cancer / Oncology News From Medical News Today)

Natural Light Exposure Improves Subjective Sleep Quality in Nursing Home Residents

Journal of the American Medical Directors Association — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:20:21 +0100

To the Editor: Sleep disturbance in the nursing home is common and includes frequent nocturnal awakening, increased sleep latency, and prolonged time spent in bed. This can lead to confusion, poor control of medical illnesses, and impaired rehabilitation. Studies on artificial light therapy in nursing home residents have demonstrated improvement in sleep as measured by polysomnography, nursing observation, and patient self-report. We hypothesize that natural light exposure can provide similar sleep benefits. In this investigation, self-reported sleep quality was measured in nursing home residents using a sunlight exposure protocol. (Source: Journal of the American Medical Directors Association)

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[Delayed Sleep Phase Type Sleep Disorder and Chronotherapy.]

Turkish Journal of Psychiatry — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 12:19:03 +0100

Authors: Gökben Hızlı F, Yücel Ağargün M Delayed sleep phase type sleep disorder is a circadian rhythm disorder that results in symptoms of sleep-onset insomnia and difficulty awakening at a desired time. Patients with delayed sleep phase-type sleep disorder can be treated with chronotherapy, light therapy, vitamin B12, or melatonin. Chronotherapy is a behavioral technique in which sleep time is systematically delayed. Herein we report a 48-year-old woman that presented with delayed sleep onset and describe chronotherapy as a treatment approach. PMID: 19504369 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Turkish Journal of Psychiatry)

Melanopsin And Sleep Modulation: A Bright Future For Light Therapy?

ScienceDaily Headlines — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:00:00 +0100

Light strongly influences human physiology and notably sleep regulation. Scientists have just published a detailed study on the role of melanopsin, a molecule involved in mediating the effects of light on sleep. These scientists also revealed evidence of new interactions between the different mechanisms acting on the duration and quality of sleep and alertness. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

From the basic neuroscience of circadian clock function to light therapy for depression: On the emergence of chronotherapeutics

Journal of Affective Disorders — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 07:52:01 +0100

Biological psychiatry seeks to establish the genetic, neurochemical, and physiological basis of mental disorders and their treatments. Chronobiology, or biological rhythm research, has made a set of discoveries in recent years across these same levels of functional organisation. And psychiatric chronotherapeutics is the fast-growing application of circadian principles in treating mood and sleep disorders. (Source: Journal of Affective Disorders)

A multistage chronobiologic intervention for the treatment of depression: A pilot study

Journal of Affective Disorders — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 07:52:01 +0100

Conclusions: These initial findings showed the procedure to be effective and well tolerated. It affords many advantages, such as the achievement of a rapid response, no extinction of the therapeutic effect after 4 weeks of follow-up, safety, high patient compliance and cost effectiveness. These encouraging results warrant validation in further randomized controlled clinical trials. (Source: Journal of Affective Disorders)

Melanopsin And Sleep Modulation: A Bright Future For Light Therapy?

Sleep / Sleep Disorders News From Medical News Today — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 10:00:00 +0100

Light strongly influences human physiology and notably sleep regulation. An international team of scientists, including Patrice Bourgin from CNRS 'Institut des neurosciences cellulaires et intÃ©gratives' in Strasbourg, has just published a detailed study in PlosBiology on the role of melanopsin, a molecule involved in mediating the effects of light on sleep. (Source: Sleep / Sleep Disorders News From Medical News Today)

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Overcoming Jet Lag with the Help of a Computer Program

SleepEducation.com — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Mathematical models can be used to create bright light therapy schedules for the treatment of jet lag. (Source: SleepEducation.com)

Reduced axonal transport in Parkinson's disease cybrid neurites is restored by light therapy

Molecular Neurodegeneration — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Background: It has been hypothesized that reduced axonal transport contributes to the degeneration of neuronal processes in Parkinson's disease (PD). Mitochondria supply the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) needed to support axonal transport and contribute to many other cellular functions essential for the survival of neuronal cells. Furthermore, mitochondria in PD tissues are metabolically and functionally compromised. To address this hypothesis, we measured the velocity of mitochondrial movement in human transmitochondrial cybrid "cytoplasmic hybrid" neuronal cells bearing mitochondrial DNA from patients with sporadic PD and disease-free age-matched volunteer controls (CNT). The absorption of low level, near-infrared laser light by components of the mitochondrial electron transport chain (mt...

Can Light Therapy Improve Your Sexual Functioning? New Promising Data

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 07:00:00 +0100

Although we are still far from knowing exactly where and how the pineal suppressive role is exerted, the fact that the gland exerts an inhibitory function on the reproductive axis is widely accepted. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Sexual dysfunction treated with fluorescent light therapy

Nursing Times Breaking News — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 10:51:00 +0100

Male patients who suffer from sexual dysfunction could be sucessfully treated with fluorescent light therapy. (Source: Nursing Times Breaking News)

[Photodepilation.]

Actas Dermo-Sifiliograficas — Sun, 31 May 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Serrano-Grau P, Campo-Voegeli A, Romero D Unwanted hair is a common problem for which different types of light therapy have been developed as the treatment of choice. Since 1996, when the American Food and Drug Administration approved the first laser therapy for depilation, much progress has been made in light-based technology and lasers. Lasers and intense pulsed light sources with red or near infrared wavelengths (600 to 1200 nm) are the most widely used for removing hair as they target the melanin of the hair shaft, hair follicle epithelium, and hair matrix. The aim of this review is to describe and compare the different photodepilation methods currently available. PMID: 19558915 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Actas Dermo-Sifiliograficas)

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Light therapy at home helps psoriasis, study finds

CBC | Health — Fri, 08 May 2009 20:30:24 +0100

People with psoriasis can be treated at home safely and effectively with phototherapy, Dutch researchers say. (Source: CBC | Health)

Home light therapy effective and safe for psoriasis

OnMedica Latest News — Fri, 08 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100

No difference in effectiveness and safety to therapy delivered in hospitalRelated items from OnMedicaFish diet in early infancy cuts eczema riskNew hope for psoriasis sufferersKey references for your practice library: DermatologyYour problem: How do I know if my patient has lichen planus?EU bans use of misleading 'sunblock' term (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

Paper round: Friday

OnMedica Latest News — Fri, 08 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Latest on swine flu, why high heels improve your sex life, and moreRelated items from OnMedicaWhat a waste of a tan!On the Pulse - 8th May 2009Home light therapy effective and safe for psoriasisFirst step made in development of swine flu vaccine (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

Home light therapy psoriasis hope

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Fri, 08 May 2009 00:44:36 +0100

A specialist light treatment for psoriasis is just as effective and safe when given at home as in hospital and more patients should have access, say researchers. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

Light Therapy

About.com Bipolar Disorder — Thu, 07 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Phototherapy, also known as light therapy and light box therapy, is the use of light to treat disorders. It has become a widely used remedy for mental illnesses such as seasonal affective disorder and some research supports it benefits for sleep disturbances, depression, bipolar disorder (manic depression), schizoaffective disorder and even premenstrual syndrome. (Source: About.com Bipolar Disorder)

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On Mr. Roboto’s Couch – Will Machines Become Our Counselors? Part II

Psychology Today Parenting Center — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 21:24:24 +0100

(On Mr. Roboto’s Couch – Will Machines become our Counselors? Part I) Meet your new counselor. And don't forget to charge it. Online software that provides psychological services is already all around us. First, numerous websites offer online assessments in the form of questionnaires that users fill out to receive psychological feedback. Some online applications take this one step further and offer more actionable advice based on the results. We recently developed a parenting-style assessment where the questionnaire is taken for both parents. The test identifies potential conflicts in parenting-style and provides suggestions for resolving them. This is an important part of couples' therapy that can be automated. New books are being released alongside software applications that allow a ...

Illuminating Rationale and Uses for Light Therapy

Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine : JCSM — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 18:39:39 +0100

This article reviews the neural underpinnings of circadian neurobiology crucial for understanding the influence of light therapy on brain function, common mood and sleep disorders in which light therapy may be effectively used, and applications of light therapy in clinical practice. Keywords: Light therapy, circadian disorders, insomnia, mood disorders, physiology (Source: Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine : JCSM)

Light therapy kills MRSA infection

Pharmacy Europe — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 15:28:42 +0100

A light-activated treatment has been created which targets and kills MRSA while leaving human cells unharmed (Source: Pharmacy Europe)

Improvement of Postfractional Laser Erythema with Light-Emitting Diode Photomodulation

Dermatologic Surgery — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

The most common side effects of fractional laser skin treatment are erythema and edema. Low-level light therapy and light-emitting diode (LED) devices have been used to stimulate fibroblast activity and hasten wound healing. To determine whether LED treatment immediately after fractional laser skin resurfacing affects the severity and duration of postoperative eythema. Twenty patients received treatment with a 590-nm wavelength LED array to randomly selected facial halves immediately after undergoing full-face fractional laser skin resurfacing with a 1,550-nm erbium-doped fiber laser. Differences in erythema between LED-treated and untreated facial halves were recorded at 24, 48, and 96 hours post-treatment. The LED-treated facial halves were less erythematous in all 20 patients 24 hours p...

6. Bright light therapy in a chronobiological disorder

Clinical Neurophysiology — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Clinical report: A 30-year-old male, university student, came to our sleep-lab referred because of unresponsive insomnia. There were no personal or family related disorders. The patient denied drug-abuse habits. He complained of excessive and invincible daytime sleepiness as well as night insomnia leading him to an anxious depressing state. As a consequence, his quality of life went down, as he was unable to perform either academically or socially. For 2 years, he studied at night and slept during the day. This changed the sleep-wake circardian rhythm. (Source: Clinical Neurophysiology)

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The effect of phototherapy on neutrophils.

International Immunopharmacology — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 06:10:46 +0100

CONCLUSION: Evidence indicates that phototherapy has a significant impact on neutrophils, the effect of which varies according to the specific type of phototherapy. These findings have a variety of potential clinical applications including the treatment of various autoimmune conditions, inflammatory diseases, and cancers. PMID: 19291857 [PubMed - in process] (Source: International Immunopharmacology)

Mirror, mirror on the wall: placebo effects that exist only in the eye of the beholder

Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion The robust placebo responses documented in this trial were confined to the subjective impressions of the patients. Neither the treating doctor nor blinded, expert raters could detect any improvement. Thus, patients can perceive improvement in medical interventions in the absence of any independent corroboration that improvement has occurred. This result is used a heuristic to more clearly define the components of the placebo response. (Source: Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice)

Society for Light Treatment and Biological Rhythms J. Christian Gillin Junior Investigator Research Award

ScanGrants feed — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Sponsored by Apollo Light SystemsSUMMARYThe Society for Light Treatment and Biological Rhythms offers a $1,000 award for the purpose of stimulating research in clinical aspects of biological rhythms and light therapy and other areas of relevance to the Society. The award is generously supported by Apollo Light Systems.GUIDELINES 1. Candidates for the junior investigator award shall be graduate-level trainees or shall have completed their doctoral degree (or equivalent) within five years of the date of application for the award. If a senior investigator is listed as a co-author, the senior author must supply an accompanying letter indicating the degree of independence represented by the candidate's contribution. Submissions are welcome from any country. 2. The manuscript must report orig...

Disorders Beyond SAD

About.com Depression — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Light therapy has many potential applications beyond Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), including non-seasonal depression and Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). (Source: About.com Depression)

Best Treatment for SAD

About.com Depression — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Despite the many treatments that have been investigated, light therapy remains the best treatment for SAD. Learn more about light therapy here. (Source: About.com Depression)

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Clinics in Human Lactation: Non-Pharmacologic Treatments for Depression in New Mothers

Journal of midwifery & women's health — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Kathleen Kendall-Tackett, well known for her work specializing in lactation and women's health, has written a monograph presenting a concise but comprehensive look at the evidence for using the following nonpharmacologic treatments for perinatal depression: omega-3s, bright light therapy, exercise, social support, psychotherapy, and Saint-John's-wort. The first few chapters describe physiology and recent findings related to depression and inflammatory processes, whereas further chapters provide excellent accounts of nonpharmacologic recommendations for prevention and treatment of this common condition among childbearing women. (Source: Journal of midwifery & women's health)

The practicalities of photodynamic therapy in acne vulgaris

British Journal of Dermatology — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0100

A staple clinical skill in a dermatologist's repertoire is the ability to treat acne vulgaris effectively. Light-based therapies such as photodynamic therapy (PDT) widen the therapeutic options available for acne. Numerous review articles have agreed on the answer to core questions such as: 'Does PDT work?' and 'Which acne lesions respond best to PDT?' They conclude that PDT is especially useful in inflammatory acne and may be superior to light therapy alone. This literature review seeks to offer guidance regarding treatment-specific queries about the photosensitizer, route of administration, treatment intervals, light sources and patient selection. Ovid Medline, PubMed and EMBASE database searches were executed between January 2007 and March 2008. Due to the scarcity of data, all five ran...

Laser and other light therapies for the treatment of acne vulgaris: systematic review

British Journal of Dermatology — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Some forms of light therapy were of short-term benefit. Patients may find it easier to comply with these treatments, despite the initial discomfort, because of their short duration. However, very few trials compared light therapy with conventional acne treatments, were conducted in patients with severe acne or examined long-term benefits of treatment. (Source: British Journal of Dermatology)

Laser and other light therapies for the treatment of acne vulgaris: systematic review.

The British Journal of Dermatology — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0100

The practicalities of photodynamic therapy in acne vulgaris.

The British Journal of Dermatology — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Taylor MN, Gonzalez ML A staple clinical skill in a dermatologist's repertoire is the ability to treat acne vulgaris effectively. Light-based therapies such as photodynamic therapy (PDT) widen the therapeutic options available for acne. Numerous review articles have agreed on the answer to core questions such as: 'Does PDT work?' and 'Which acne lesions respond best to PDT?' They conclude that PDT is especially useful in inflammatory acne and may be superior to light therapy alone. This literature review seeks to offer guidance regarding treatment-specific queries about the photosensitizer, route of administration, treatment intervals, light sources and patient selection. Ovid Medline, PubMed and EMBASE database searches were executed between January 2007 and March 2008. Due t...

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A dim view of Light Relief's claims to relieve pain with LEDs

L.A. Times - Health — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 02:26:49 +0100

Light therapy generally can help patients, but this device may not be refined enough to provide significant help, experts says. Humans are light-sensitive beings. Whether it comes from the sun, a laser or a fluorescent bulb, light can affect our bodies and minds in ways that scientists are just beginning to understand. (Source: L.A. Times - Health)

Light Therapy as a Treatment for Sexual Dysfunctions

Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 15:49:10 +0100

Psychother Psychosom 2009;78:127-128 (DOI:10.1159/000203119) (Source: Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics)

High cortisol awakening response is associated with an impairment of the effect of bright light therapy

Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: High CAR was associated with an impairment of the effect of bright light therapy. This result raises the question of whether bright light acts through a mechanism different from that of antidepressants. (Source: Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica)

Non-pharmacologic treatment of insomnia in persons with dementia

Geriatrics Magazine — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 09:19:52 +0100

Insomnia affects up to 35% of community-dwelling adults with dementia. Although non-pharmacologic treatments can be safe and effective alternatives to the sedative-hypnotic medications commonly prescribed, practical approaches such as light therapy, exercise, and sleep-hygiene modification are often underused in clinical practice to treat insomnia in patients with dementia. (Source: Geriatrics Magazine)

Tom Cruise smile comes with a price

Medicineworld.org: New Article Alert — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 12:31:35 +0100

UV light-enhanced tooth bleaching is not only a con, but is dangerous to your eyes and skin, says a Royal Society of Chemistry journal. The light therapy gives absolutely no benefit over bleaching without UV, and damages skin and eyes up to four times as much as sunbathing, reports a study in Photochemical and Photobiological Sciences....... (Source: Medicineworld.org: New Article Alert)

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Occurence of ultra-rapid cycling during electroconvulsive therapy in bipolar depression.

The World Journal of Biological Psychiatry — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of URC during ECT. URC might be considered a rare but potential side effect of ECT. In our case, lithium was used successfully for the treatment of URC and might be suggested in similar cases, where anticonvulsants are not the first choice of treatment. However, in view of the risk of cognitive side effects the combination of ECT and lithium requires a careful clinical monitoring. PMID: 19172530 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The World Journal of Biological Psychiatry)

Tanning no cure for seasonal depression

Reuters: Health — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:07:25 +0100

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - People who suffer from winter depression known as "seasonal affective disorder" or SAD -- or the less severe but more common "winter blues" -- shouldn't seek relief in a tanning bed or booth, a leading expert on light therapy warns. (Source: Reuters: Health)

Current treatments for sleep disturbances in individuals with dementia

Current Psychiatry Reports — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 09:51:09 +0100

This article reviews the neurophysiology of sleep in normal aging and sleep changes associated with common dementia subtypes and comorbid conditions. Current pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic evidencebased treatment options are discussed, including the use of light therapy, increased physical and social activity, and multicomponent cognitive-behavioral interventions for improving sleep in institutionalized and community-dwelling adults with dementia. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s11920-009-0004-2Authors Cynthia L. DeschenesSusan M. McCurry, University of Washington Department of Psychosocial and Community Health 9709 3rd Avenue Northeast, Suite 507 Seattle WA 98115-8733 USA Journal Current Psychiatry ReportsOnline ISSN 1535-1645Print ISSN 1523-3812 Journal Vo...

Second-degree skin burn after intense pulsed light therapy with EMLA cream for hair removal

International Journal of Dermatology — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: International Journal of Dermatology)

Circadian Rhythm Profiles in Women with Night Eating Syndrome

Journal of Biological Rhythms — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Night eating syndrome (NES) is characterized by evening hyperphagia and frequent awakenings accompanied by food intake. Patients with NES display a delayed circadian pattern of food intake but retain a normal sleep-wake cycle. These characteristics initiated the current study, in which the phase and amplitude of behavioral and neuroendocrine circadian rhythms in patients with NES were evaluated. Fifteen women with NES (mean age ± SD, 40.8 ± 8.7 y) and 14 control subjects (38.6 ± 9.5 y) were studied in the laboratory for 3 nights, with food intake measured daily. Blood also was collected for 25 h (every 2 h from 0800 to 2000 h, and then hourly from 2100 to 0900 h) and assayed for glucose and 7 hormones (insulin, ghrelin, leptin, melatonin, cortisol, thyroid-stimulating ...

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Seasonal Affective Disorder

The Skin Cancer Foundation — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 12:11:38 +0100

Tanning Beds are not the Answer to Winter Depression New York, NY (January 12, 2008) -- With the dark days of winter upon us, many are heading to tanning salons as the solution for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a.k.a. winter depression which is believed to affect approximately 15 million Americans. Tanning salons tout their services as a treatment for SAD, though the ultraviolet radiation (UVR) they produce is not a component of light therapy, the most effective treatment. (Source: The Skin Cancer Foundation)

Evidence of a Biological Effect of Light Therapy on the Retina of Patients with Seasonal Affective Disorder

Biological Psychiatry — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Depressed patients with SAD demonstrate ERG changes in the winter compared with healthy comparison subjects with lower rod retinal sensitivity and lower cone maximal amplitude. These changes normalized following 4 weeks of light therapy and during the summer, suggesting that ERG changes are state markers for SAD. (Source: Biological Psychiatry)

The development of a filter to enhance the efficacy and safety of excimer light (308 nm) therapy

Photodermatology, Photoimmunology and Photomedicine — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Excimer light (308 nm) therapy is a new ultraviolet (UV) B phototherapy for which the efficacy and resulting DNA damage are not well established. To develop an effective and safe phototherapy using the excimer lamp, we studied the effects of different light cut-off filters, A and B. Efficacy was evaluated by measuring apoptosis using fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis. DNA damage was evaluated by measuring cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs). Light sources, including normal wave and short wave (SW) excimer light, broad-band (BB) UVB, and narrow-band (NB) UVB, were examined using the filters. A human skin equivalent model was also examined. The ratio of positive apoptosis to CPD formation normalized to the mean induced by NB-UVB was 5.7 using the excimer lamp without a filter, 6....

On the Bright Side, Again

Psychology Today Depression Center — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 14:36:47 +0100

I spent the winter holidays in Argentina, in part making contact with distant relatives in the German-Jewish community in Buenos Aires. I arrived near the summer solstice and then lengthened the days further by heading south for a brief tourist visit to Patagonia. Bariloche is about as far from the equator as southern New England, so dawn began close to six in the morning, and evening twilight stretched until ten.Those long days just feel good. I had new energy, fresh ideas - well, perhaps one does on vacation anyway. But surely sunshine helps.That's what I tell patients when I recommend bright lights here at 41 degrees 49 minutes north, where (today) the sun sets at 4:29 PM and civil twilight ends at 5:01. Run 10,000 lux for half an hour in the morning, let your brain imagine you're a bit...

Pulsed infrared light therapy does not increase nitric oxide concentration in the blood of patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus

Acta Diabetologica — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 06:50:53 +0100

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine if NO blood concentrations increased acutely following an 8-week course of pulsed infrared light therapy (PILT) which could be linked to an improvement in peripheral protective sensation (PPS) in patients who have profound chronic diabetic peripheral neuropathy. A total of 22 subjects with the diagnosis of type 1 (N = 2) or type 2 (N = 20) diabetes participated in the study. PILT was administered to one foot chosen at random with the other foot serving as a within-subject control (no treatment). Patients underwent 24 treatments (3 times/week, for 8 weeks) for 30 min per treatment. Venous blood samples were taken during the last 5 min of treatment from veins in the dorsum of the control and...

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Pulsed infrared light therapy does not increase nitric oxide concentration in the blood of patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Acta Diabetol AND (h... — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Arnall DA, Nelson AG, Stambaugh L, Sanz Sevilla N, Cebrià I Iranzo MA, López Bueno L, Sanz I, Arnall SB The purpose of this study was to determine if NO blood concentrations increased acutely following an 8-week course of pulsed infrared light therapy (PILT) which could be linked to an improvement in peripheral protective sensation (PPS) in patients who have profound chronic diabetic peripheral neuropathy. A total of 22 subjects with the diagnosis of type 1 (N = 2) or type 2 (N = 20) diabetes participated in the study. PILT was administered to one foot chosen at random with the other foot serving as a within-subject control (no treatment). Patients underwent 24 treatments (3 times/week, for 8 weeks) for 30 min per treatment. Venous blood samples were taken during the...

A Comparative Study on the Efficacy of Treatment with 585 nm Pulsed Dye Laser and Ultraviolet B-TL01 in Plaque Type Psoriasis

Dermatologic Surgery — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0100

Narrow-band ultraviolet-B and pulsed dye laser (PDL) affect psoriasis but via different pathways. To compare the results of PDL with ultraviolet-B light therapy (UVB) and to look for synergism of both therapies in patients with plaque type psoriasis. In each eligible individual, four similar target plaques were selected, and halves of these plaques were treated using PDL, UVB, or a combination of PDL and UVB or were not treated. Results were recorded single-blind using the Physician's Global Assessment score at study enrolment and Week 13. Nonparametric, paired statistical tests were used to test for differences within and between therapies.The results were also analyzed after dichotomization of the changes in the Physician's Global Assessment score into responsive and nonresponsive to tre...

CLINICAL REVIEW: Treatment of Pressure Ulcers: A Systematic Review

JAMA — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Little evidence supports the use of a specific support surface or dressing over other alternatives. Similarly, there is little evidence to support routine nutritional supplementation or adjunctive therapies compared with standard care. (Source: JAMA)

Ask the doctor: Will light therapy help beat my blues?

the Mail online | Health — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:36:43 +0100

Dr Martin Scurr has been treating patients for more than 30 years and is one of the country's leading GPs. Here he tackles depression and staving off brittle bones... (Source: the Mail online | Health)

Ask the doctor: Will light therapy help beat my blues?

the Mail online | Diet — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:36:43 +0100

Dr Martin Scurr has been treating patients for more than 30 years and is one of the country's leading GPs. Here he tackles depression and staving off brittle bones... (Source: the Mail online | Diet)

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Narrow-band blue-light treatment of seasonal affective disorder in adults and the influence of additional nonseasonal symptoms

Depression and Anxiety — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Narrow bandwidth blue-light therapy proved superior to red-light therapy. Blue-light therapy produced results similar to both previous 10,000 lux visible-spectrum light studies and many medication studies. The use of bright red panels supported claims that wavelengths of [sim]470 nm account for the documented effectiveness of light therapy. Depression and Anxiety 0:1-6, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. (Source: Depression and Anxiety)

FDA Clears The DPL (Deep Penetrating Light) Therapy System For Over-the-Counter - Home Use

Pain / Anesthetics News From Medical News Today — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 09:00:00 +0100

LED Technologies, LLC announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared their DPL™ Therapy System for the relaxation of muscles and relief of muscle spasms, temporary relief of minor muscle and joint aches, pains and stiffness; temporary relief of minor pain and stiffness associated with arthritis; and to temporarily increase local blood circulation. (Source: Pain / Anesthetics News From Medical News Today)

Improving And Refining Light Therapy Seasonal Affective Disorder, From Harvard Mental Health Letter

Depression News From Medical News Today — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 10:00:00 +0100

Bright white light therapy has been used to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD) for more than 20 years. Although it remains a mainstay of treatment, in the past few years researchers have investigated ways to improve and refine light therapy, reports the November 2008 issue of the (Source: Depression News From Medical News Today)

Treatments for SAD being refined

Health News - UPI.com — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 18:14:52 +0100

BOSTON, Nov. 7 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists are looking for ways to improve bright white light therapy, used to treat (Source: Health News - UPI.com)

New Treatment Options For Seasonal Affective Disorder

Psychology / Psychiatry News From Medical News Today — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 08:00:00 +0100

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A study to determine the efficacy of a novel handheld light-emitting diode device in the treatment of photoaged skin

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, a novel method of light-emitting diode (LED) photo rejuvenation incorporating a combination of these wavelengths delivered from a small handheld unit is proposed. Twenty-two subjects with facial rhytides received eight light therapy treatments over a course of 4 weeks, using the Omnilux handheld LED system. Assessment of global skin grading was evaluated at weeks 6, 9, and 12 by a dermatologist. Additional outcome measures included assessments of clinical photography and patient satisfaction scores. Seventy-four percent of the subjects reported a visible improvement in fine lines and wrinkles at 8 weeks posttreatment. Combination red and near-infrared LED therapy delivered from a small portable handheld unit represents an effective and acceptable method of photo rejuvenation...

Two Preemie Treatments May Not Help

MedlinePlus Health News — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 21:00:00 +0100

Insulin, light therapy show disappointing results for the smallest babies, studies show . Source: HealthDay (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Study: Light therapy appears to rejuvenate aging skin

USATODAY.com Health — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 22:53:53 +0100

Photodynamic therapy appears to cause molecular-level changes in aging skin that increase collagen production and improve skin ... (Source: USATODAY.com Health)

Light therapy

MayoClinic.com Full Feed — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 05:00:00 +0100

— Explore light therapy as a treatment for seasonal affective disorder, other conditions. Sponsored by:Chemotherapy.com - http://www.chemotherapy.com (Source: MayoClinic.com Full Feed)

Phase advancing the human circadian clock with blue-enriched polychromatic light.

Sleep Medicine — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Bright blue-enriched polychromatic light is no more effective than standard bright light therapy for phase advancing circadian rhythms at commonly used therapeutic light levels. PMID: 18805055 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Sleep Medicine)

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A newly proposed disease condition produced by light exposure during night: Asynchronization.

Brain & Development — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Kohyama J The bedtime of preschoolers/pupils/students in Japan has become progressively later with the result sleep duration has become progressively shorter. With these changes, more than half of the preschoolers/pupils/students in Japan recently have complained of daytime sleepiness, while approximately one quarter of junior and senior high school students in Japan reportedly suffer from insomnia. These preschoolers/pupils/students may be suffering from behaviorally induced insufficient sleep syndrome due to inadequate sleep hygiene. If this diagnosis is correct, they should be free from these complaints after obtaining sufficient sleep by avoiding inadequate sleep hygiene. However, such a therapeutic approach often fails. Although social factors are often involved in these ...

Self-help interventions for depressive disorders and depressive symptoms: A systematic review

Annals of General Psychiatry — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: A number of self-help interventions have promising evidence for reducing subthreshold depressive symptoms. Other forms of evidence such as expert consensus may be more appropriate for interventions that are not feasible to evaluate in randomised controlled trials. There needs to be evaluation of whether promotion to the public of effective self-help strategies for subthreshold depressive symptoms could delay or prevent onset of depressive illness, reduce functional impairment, and prevent progression to other undesirable outcomes such as harmful use of substances. (Source: Annals of General Psychiatry)

Light therapy company says that poor weather this summer could trigger increase in depression

Scotsman.com News - Health — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0100

SCOTLAND'S miserable summer has triggered a surge in winter depression, according to new figures published yesterday. (Source: Scotsman.com News - Health)

Standard guidelines of care for acne surgery

Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 06:53:27 +0100

Khunger NitiIndian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology 2008 74(7):28-36Acne surgery is the use of various surgical procedures for the treatment of postacne scarring and also, as adjuvant treatment for active acne. Surgery is indicated both in active acne and post-acne scars. <b> Physicians' qualifications:</b> Any Dermatologist can perform most acne surgery techniques as these are usually taught during postgraduation. However, certain techniques such as dermabrasion, laser resurfacing, scar revisions need specific &quot;hands-on&quot; training in appropriate training centers. <b> Facility:</b> Most acne surgery procedures can be performed in a physician's minor ...

Treatment of circadian rhythm sleep disorders with light.

Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Gooley JJ The human circadian system is normally synchronised with the solar day, insuring that alertness and performance peak during daytime hours and consolidated sleep occurs during the night. In circadian rhythm sleep disorders, the pattern of sleep-wake is misaligned with the patient's circadian system or the external environment, resulting in insomnia, fatigue, and deterioration in performance. Appropriately-timed exposure to bright light can reset the timing of sleep and wake to the desired times, and improve sleep quality and daytime alertness. The efficacy of bright light therapy, however, is dependent on the time-of-day of the circadian cycle that the light is administered. In this article, we examine the physiological basis for bright light therapy, and we discuss t...

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Bright light in elderly subjects with nonseasonal major depression: a double blind, randomised clinical trial using early morning bright blue light comparing dim red light treatment

BioMed Central — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

This study aims to show whether BLT can reduce non-seasonal major depression in elderly patients. Randomized double blind placebo controlled trial in 126 subjects of 60 years and older with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD, DSM-IV/SCID-I). Subjects are recruited through referrals of psychiatric outpatient clinics and from case finding from databases of general practitioners and old-people homes in the Amsterdam region. After inclusion subjects are randomly allocated to the active (bright blue light) vs. placebo (dim red light) condition using two Philips Bright Light Energy boxes type HF 3304 per subject, from which the light bulbs have been covered with bright blue- or dim red light- permitting filters. Patients will be stratified by use of antidepressants. Prior to treatment...

Low-Intensity Light Therapy: Exploring the Role of Redox Mechanisms

Photomedicine and Laser Surgery — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 12:38:40 +0100

Photomedicine and Laser Surgery , Vol. 0, No. 0: 321-326. Abstract Low-intensity light therapy (LILT) appears to be working through newly recognized photoacceptor systems. The mitochondrial electron transport chain has been shown to be photosensitive to red and near-infrared (NIR) light. Although the underlying ... (Source: Photomedicine and Laser Surgery)

The circadian basis of mood disorders: Recent developments and treatment implications.

European Neuropsychopharmacology — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Monteleone P, Maj M In humans, most physiological and behavioural functions demonstrate a circadian rhythmicity, which is essential to adequately cope with dramatic fluctuations occurring in the external environment. Therefore, it is intuitive that alterations in the endogenous machinery regulating circadian oscillations may lead to physical and mental symptoms and morbidities. Mood disorders, especially unipolar depression and seasonal affective disorder, have been linked to circadian rhythm abnormalities. This paper provides a brief description of the molecular and genetic mechanisms regulating the endogenous clock system and reviews selected studies describing circadian abnormalities in patients with depression. Evidence is emerging that a disruption of the normal circadian...

Light therapy toothbrush 'to beat plaque'

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 12:53:50 +0100

A mouthwash allows plaque-causing bacteria to be destroyed using nothing more than a bright light. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

The roles of melatonin and light in the pathophysiology and treatment of circadian rhythm sleep disorders.

Nature Clinical Practice. Neurology. — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Pandi-Perumal SR, Trakht I, Spence DW, Srinivasan V, Dagan Y, Cardinali DP Normal circadian rhythms are synchronized to a regular 24 h environmental light-dark cycle, and the suprachiasmatic nucleus and the hormone melatonin have important roles in this process. Desynchronization of circadian rhythms, as occurs in chronobiological disorders, can produce severe disturbances in sleep patterns. According to the International Classification of Sleep Disorders, circadian rhythm sleep disorders (CRSDs) include delayed sleep phase syndrome, advanced sleep phase syndrome, non-24 h sleep-wake disorder, jet lag and shift-work sleep disorder. Disturbances in the circadian phase position of plasma melatonin levels have been documented in all of these disorders. There is compelling evidenc...

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Ultraviolet Light Therapy Is As Beneficial For Darker Skin As Lighter Skin, Study Shows

ScienceDaily Headlines — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 06:17:19 +0100

Ultraviolet Light Therapy Is As Beneficial For Darker Skin As Lighter Skin

Genetics News From Medical News Today — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 07:00:00 +0100

An analysis of more than 100 patients has confirmed for the first time that darker-skinned patients benefit as those with lighter skin when given light therapy for morphea and related diseases, UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers show. Phototherapy is the use of ultraviolet light to treat skin disorders, ranging from common problems such as acne and psoriasis to rarer conditions such as scleroderma and morphea, a hardening of the skin. (Source: Genetics News From Medical News Today)

UV light therapy is as beneficial for darker skin as lighter skin

News-Medical News Feed — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 22:48:20 +0100

Ultraviolet light therapy is as beneficial for darker skin as lighter skin

Huliq Health News — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 18:31:39 +0100

New research reveals ultraviolet light therapy is as beneficial for darker skin as lighter skin

UT Southwestern Medical Center News — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 15:28:00 +0100

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Hydroxyethyl starch-induced pruritus relieved by a combination of menthol and camphor.

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

We present a case responsive to menthol and camphor and discuss the possible therapeutic mechanism. PMID: 18455262 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology)

Bilateral Anterior Uveitis after Intense Pulsed Light Therapy for Pigmented Eyelid Lesions

Dermatologic Surgery — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters. (Source: Dermatologic Surgery)

Rosacea responsive to intense pulsed light therapy

MedWire News - Dermatology — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Intense pulsed light therapy provides significant improvements in erythema and telangiectasia in patients with rosacea, say researchers in the UK, with results sustained for at least 6 months. (Source: MedWire News - Dermatology)

Bilateral Anterior Uveitis after Intense Pulsed Light Therapy for Pigmented Eyelid Lesions

Dermatologic Surgery — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 15:04:23 +0100

Dermatologic Surgery, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page ???, OnlineEarly Articles. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters. (Source: Dermatologic Surgery)

Nocturnal Sleep In Mothers May Be Improved By Bright Light Therapy

Sleep / Sleep Disorders News From Medical News Today — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 12:00:00 +0100

Bright light therapy may improve a mother's nocturnal sleep, decrease daytime sleepiness and be beneficial to her well-being, according to a research abstract presented on Monday at SLEEP 2008, the 22nd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies (APSS).The study, authored by Shih-Yu Lee, PhD, of Georgia State University, focused on 16 first-time mothers with a low birth weight infant hospitalized in the intensive care unit. (Source: Sleep / Sleep Disorders News From Medical News Today)

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Melatonin plus bright light therapy for symptoms of dementia

NeLM Headline News — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Re-synchronisation of circadian rhythm disturbance in patients with dementia modestly improves some cognitive and non-cognitive symptoms of dementia, according to a controlled trial. The authors note that circadian rhythm synchronisation may be reduced in people with dementia, who often have a range of behavioural, mood, and sleep disturbances. This trial aimed to determine whether a combination of treatments known to stimulate the circadian timing system, bright light plus melatonin, could improve a range of outcomes in people with dementia over a prolonged period. Participants were residents of Dutch elderly care homes, selected according to broad criteria and with minimal exclusion criteria. Dementia was not an inclusion criterion, and there were some residents who were not demented. ...

Light therapy 'can slow dementia'

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 23:05:35 +0100

Dementia could be slowed significantly by treatments which reset the body's natural clock, research suggests. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

Is a low level laser light brush (Hairmax) effective for treating hair loss?

NLH Question Answering Service — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 06:53:22 +0100

In 2004 Cutis published 'Hair Loss RemediesSeparating Fact From Fiction' [1], this reported:"Laser Light TherapyLow-intensity laser light therapy has been shown to be effective in promoting wound healing and in improving circulation. For these reasons, some hair loss treatment centers are offering the use of lasers for treating alopecia in both men and women. (Source: NLH Question Answering Service)

Circadian abnormalities, molecular clock genes and chronobiological treatments in depression

British Medical Bulletin — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Background A long-standing challenge in the treatment of depression is the development of a rapidly acting antidepressant. Conventional antidepressants typically require 2–8 weeks for clinical remission. In contrast, chronobiological interventions such as sleep deprivation treatment dramatically reduce depressive symptoms within 24–48 h in 40–60% of depressed subjects. It is hypothesized that fast-acting treatments for depression may alter circadian rhythms through chronobiological mechanisms relevant to clock gene function. Sources of data A bibliographic review using Entrez PubMed® with Boolean search terms ‘circadian’ and ‘depressive’ identified more than 1000 clinical papers published over a 40-year period (1966–present). Areas of a...

[Affective disorders and biological rhythms.]

Annales Pharmaceutiques Francaises — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Le Strat Y, Ramoz N, Gorwood P Disruptions of circadian rhythms are described in affective disorders, including unipolar and bipolar disorder, but also seasonal affective disorder. Sleep-wake and hormone circadian rhythms are among the most quoted examples. Depression could be conceptualized as a desynchronization between the endogenous circadian pacemaker and the exogenous stimuli, such as sunlight and social rhythms. Accordingly, Clock genes have been studied and the literature suggests that variants in these genes confer a higher risk of relapse, more sleep disturbances associated with depression, as well as incomplete treatment response. Most of therapeutic interventions in depression have an impact on biological rhythms. Some of them exclusively act via a biological pathw...

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[Affective disorders and biological rhythms]

Annales Pharmaceutiques Francaises — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Side effects of adjunct light therapy in patients with major depression

European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience — Mon, 05 May 2008 19:57:17 +0100

Abstract Adjunct bright-light therapy has been suggested to augment antidepressant drug treatment in patients with non-seasonal major depression. Side effects of the combined therapy have not been investigated thus far. Therefore, somatic complaints and side effects of combined therapy were evaluated in 28 patients with major depression (DSM-III-R) randomly assigned to either trimipramine or trimipramine and serially applied adjunct bright-light therapy. Response rates were comparable in both treatment groups and rates of newly emergent side effects during treatment were generally low. The most prominent unfavourable side effects of adjunct bright-light therapy as compared with trimipramine monotherapy were aggravated sedation, persisting restlessness, emerging sleep distu...

Acne treatments: Emerging therapies for clearer skin

MayoClinic.com Full Feed — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 06:00:00 +0100

Acne treatments — overview of new acne treatments, including blue light therapy and acne medications.Sponsored by:Chemotherapy.com - http://www.chemotherapy.com (Source: MayoClinic.com Full Feed)

Laser therapy in acute stroke treatment

International Journal of Stroke — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 10:10:00 +0100

International Journal of Stroke, Volume 3, Issue 2, Page 88-91, May 2008. Abstract Recent development of near infrared light therapy (NILT) as an acute stroke treatment is promising. In various preclinical animal stroke models, NILT has been shown to be effective in improving long-term stroke outcome. More importantly, NILT ... (Source: International Journal of Stroke)

FDA Device Clearances: Percutaneous Dual Rod Accepting Polyaxial Screw, Light Therapy Device, Cystic Fibrosis Molecular Test

Medscape Pathology Headlines — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 15:09:46 +0100

The FDA has granted 510(k) clearance for a percutaneous dual rod-accepting polyaxial screw (Silverbolt Percutaneous Multi-Level Rod System), a handheld over-the-counter light therapy device (Omnilux New-U), and a cystic fibrosis molecular test (InPlex CF). Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Pathology Headlines)

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Anodyne Light Therapy Doesn't Ease Sensory Neuropathy in Diabetics

Medscape Diabetes Headlines — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 19:29:07 +0100

A study in the February issue of Diabetes Care suggests that anodyne monochromatic infrared photo energy therapy is no more effective than sham therapy for treating sensory neuropathy in diabetic patients. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Diabetes Headlines)

Diagnostic Dilemma: Dermatology

ConsultantLive — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 09:29:53 +0100

A 31-year-old man presented in May 2007 with generalized painful, ulcerated, and necrotic papules and plaques worsening for the last few months. He had been diagnosed with mycosis fungoides in October 2005. Treatments included topical corticosteroids and psoralen with ultraviolet A light therapy (PUVA), with the latter being discontinued because of the development of blisters. For the last 6 months, he had been treated with oral bexarotene (Targretin), with initial improvement of his skin lesions. (Source: ConsultantLive)

Diagnostic Dilemma: Dermatology

CancerNetwork — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 09:20:24 +0100

MayoClinic.com Focuses on Treatment Options for Psoriasis

Mayo Clinic Health Information — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 14:56:30 +0100

A new feature on MayoClinic.com focuses on psoriasis treatment options, including topical treatments, light therapy (phototherapy) and oral medications. (Source: Mayo Clinic Health Information)

[Light therapy: its effectiveness in treating insomnia in elderly patients.]

Atencion Primaria — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: García-Corpas JP, Amariles P, Faus MJ PMID: 18358165 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Atencion Primaria)

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Melatonin and Bright-Light Treatment for Rest–Activity Disruption in Institutionalized Patients with Alzheimer's Disease

Journal of the American Geriatrics Society — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 21:22:16 +0100

Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, Volume 56, Issue 2, Page 239-246, February 2008. OBJECTIVES: To test whether the addition of melatonin to bright-light therapy enhances the efficacy in treating rest–activity (circadian) disruption in institutionalized patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). DESIGN: Randomized, controlled trial. ... (Source: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society)

Light Therapy May Benefit Women With Bipolar Depression

Medscape Medical News Headlines — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 17:33:45 +0100

The results of a study published in the December issue of Bipolar Disorders suggest that bright light therapy can relieve depression in some women with bipolar disorder. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines)

Light Therapy and Advanced Wound Care for a Neuropathic Plantar Ulcer on a Charcot Foot.

Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 09:38:52 +0100

Page: 113DOI: 10.1097/01.WON.0000308628.60958.d9Authors: Sutterfield, Retta (Source: Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing)

Light Therapy and Advanced Wound Care on a Neuropathic Plantar Ulcer on a Charcot Foot.

Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 09:38:52 +0100

Page: 116DOI: 10.1097/01.WON.0000308629.99076.55Authors: Cordrey, Renee (Source: Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing)