Risks of phototherapy
Phototherapy involves some risks and side effects that at first glance are not to be expected with the harmless appearing light. The systemic effect of light energy is particularly noticeable in newborns. The additional energy leads to an increased dehydration of the children, as a lot of moisture evaporates before it is properly absorbed by the child.
Therefore, the children must be fed particularly frequently. Regular weight checks are also important to check that the child is thriving. In addition to the evaporation of moisture, sweating can also lead to a loss of electrolytes (blood salts).
This can upset the electrolyte balance of the newborn, so a close monitoring of the blood salts is necessary. The skin as a whole can also react to the blue light, which can lead to so-called dermatitis solaris, i.e. an inflammation of the skin. The eyes of newborns are also particularly at risk.
The retina can be damaged by the light irradiation and the high energy, which can lead to long-term visual field failures. The eyes can also become inflamed as a result of the exposure. Another side effect is the brown coloration of the skin. If the bilirubin level is particularly high, much of the bilirubin under the skin is converted by photo therapy. As a result, the bilirubin changes from a yellowish to a brownish color, which can be seen through the skin.
Which doctor does phototherapy?
Photo therapy is usually performed by a pediatrician for newborns. Often, the newborn’s trerus is recognized by a pediatrician in private practice. However, the pediatrician cannot perform the therapy over 24 hours and therefore sends the children to a hospital for inpatient treatment. Phototherapy, which can be used for skin diseases in adults, is usually prescribed by a dermatologist (skin specialist).In rare cases, the therapy can also be carried out by a family doctor.
Can phototherapy be done at home?
For newborns, phototherapy almost always has to be carried out under inpatient conditions in hospital. One reason for this is the long irradiation time of 24 to 48 hours. In addition, the children are at risk of hypothermia and dehydration, which is why they should lie in a warm bed and their state of health must be monitored very closely.
This can only be guaranteed under stationary conditions. For adults, local phototherapy is often performed at home. However, it is also possible to receive phototherapy in the practice.
