Chronic ulcers can now be treated with a Novel light device

Scientists have developed a novel lamp to treat chronic ulcer with light, according to a study published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment. The positive outcomes of the device show that it can be potentially used for the treatment of other ulcers, including diabetic and venous ulcers.

The light therapy formulated by the researchers of the University of Manchester and Salford Royal NHS Trust combines infrared, red and ultraviolet light which was tested on finger ulcers caused by a condition called systemic sclerosis, where the immune system attacks the body's fingers and toes.

M. Hughes conducted a study to investigate the safety, feasibility, and tolerability of a novel low-level light therapy (LLLT). A secondary aim was to tentatively assess efficacy.

The lamp built by the team has 32 different bulbs. A custom-built device comprising infrared (850nm), red (660nm) and violet (405nm) LEDs was utilized. Eight patients with 14 ulcers between them had the treatment. Digital ulcers were irradiated with 10J/cm2 two times in a week for three weeks, with follow-up at weeks 4&8.

The study found that low-level light therapy for patients was safe, feasible and well tolerated.

CREDIT-Michael Hughes

“The new therapy can be administered at home and, with SIM card technology can even be used to monitors patients' progress remotely, ” said Hughes.

He added "We believe this technology is a game changer; the implications are huge. Ulcers cause much distress to patients and current treatments are costly to the NHS and problematic for patients who can only receive them in hospital. But this technology is cheap and practical- it's really a no-brainer as it can be administered at home.”

Scientists gave the probable explanation for such light therapy. According to them ultra-violet light, which cannot be seen by the naked eye, kill the bacteria and reduce the inflammation that prevents healing.

Red light is believed to boost blood circulation, increasing the supply of oxygen and nutrients needed for wound healing. It is also thought to stimulate the production of the protein collagen in the skin, which provides the natural scaffolding to help new tissue grow.

And infrared light, used in TV remote controls, is associated with increased blood flow and oxygen.

For reference log on to https://doi.org/10.1080/09546634.2018.1484875