Abstract
Phototherapy is an important method of dermatological treatments. Ultraviolet (280–400 nm) therapy is of great importance; however, there are concerns of its long-term use, as it can lead to skin aging and carcinogenesis. This review aims to evaluate the role and the mechanism of action of blue light (400–500 nm), a UV-free method. The main mediators of cellular responses to blue light are nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the detailed mechanism is still not fully understood. It was demonstrated that blue light induces an anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effect; thus, it may be beneficial for hyperproliferative and chronic inflammatory skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis. It was also found that blue light might cause the reduction of itching. It may be beneficial on hair growth and may be used in the treatment of acne vulgaris by reducing follicular colonization of Propionibacterium acnes. Further studies are needed to develop accurate protocols, as the clinical effects depend on the light parameters as well as the treatment length. There are no major adverse effects observed yet, but long-term safety should be monitored as there are no studies considering the long-term effects of blue light on the skin.
Highlights
It was demonstrated that blue light induces an anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effect; it may be beneficial for hyperproliferative and chronic inflammatory skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis
In this review we focus on better understanding of the role of blue light in dermatology
Because of anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative properties of blue light, it may be beneficial for chronic inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis vulgaris, atopic dermatitis, and eczema
Summary
Phototherapy is often used in the management of many common skin diseases. Its effect depends on wavelength, frequency, and the mechanism of action of light, and on the irradiation time and the dose. The radiation spectrum includes infrared radiation (IR, 760–1000 nm), visible light (400–760 nm), and ultraviolet radiation (UV, 280–400 nm) [1,2]. The mechanism of action of visible light is not as fully understood as the widely used. In the visible light spectrum there is red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet light. In this review we focus on better understanding of the role of blue light in dermatology. The UV-free blue light phototherapy method (400–500 nm) has been attracting more attention.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
