In Europe, Philips has released a specialized blue LED lamp for treating plaque psoriasis. The device has been proven to offer effective relief from symptoms such as itching, redness, scaling, and thickness. There is currently no cure for psoriasis. However, different treatments can help alleviate symptoms of the affected skin areas (including redness, itching, scaling, or thickening) and prevent skin rashes.
Several different conventional treatments for mild to moderate psoriasis are available. These treatments include creams and ointments such as corticosteroids, vitamin D and analogues. In cases that are moderate to severe, dermatologists often recommend light therapies using ultraviolet light (UVA or UVB radiation) and pharmaceuticals (known as systemic therapies). However, Philips points out that blue light therapy is a new and gentle alternative that can bring effective relief without the potential risks and inconvenience of ointments, oral medicines, and ultraviolet radiation.
The wavelength has been shown to regulates the production of certain skin cells, and help to control inflammation to reduce the symptoms.
Plaque psoriasis on feet, hands, elbows or legs causes skin cells called keratinocytes to grow faster than usual and to not develop properly. This faster growth is what causes the inflammation and scaly plaques on the skin. However, treatment with blue light helps the skin regenerate at normal speed, thereby controlling the inflammation and redness without chemicals or UV light.
Philips says that the treatment costs 20p per day. The company calculated this cost by spreading the price of the device over its lifetime if it is used every day for five years. The LED light is not cheap. It costs £349.
Clinically Proven Results
The use of blue light to treat mild to moderate plaque psoriasis has been clinically proven.1, 2 In one study, patients who went through 12 weeks of blue light treatment experienced significant improvements to their plaque symptoms. In some of the treated patients, the psoriasis plaque cleared up completely. Once the treatment concluded, the patients were observed for another month. During this time, their plaque symptoms continued improving slightly, even without the blue light treatment.
One of the two clinical studies of blue light treatment employed Philips BlueControl luminaire. In that study, 83% of the patients said that Philips BlueControl was very easy and convenient to use. The battery-powered device measures just 77mm by 125mm by 23mm. The light known as Philips BlueControl is an EU CE-marked class IIa medical device (CE0344) designed specifically to treat mild to moderate plaque psoriasis (psoriasis vulgaris). Currently, the device is only available in Europe.
One psoriasis sufferer who tried using Philips BlueControl said, “I’ve tried so many plaque psoriasis treatments that didn’t work. Philips BlueControl is something completely different, which I wanted to try instantly. And it works!”
Another who used the device said, “Philips BlueControl is such a clean treatment with no grease and no hassle. I can use the device easily at home or at work.”
References
- Weinstabl A et al. Prospective randomized study on the efficacy of blue light in the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris. Dermatology. 2011; 223(3): 251-9.
- Pfaff S et al. Prospective randomized long-term study on the efficacy and safety of UV-free blue light for treating mild psoriasis vulgaris. Dermatology. 2015; 231: 24.
