Light Therapy II (Segurança)

Nem sempre estes tratamentos são seguros, ou por outra, livres de perigo. Por isso, dentro do assunto do post anterior decidi colocar aqui a continuação do post do Wikipedia sobre Light Therapy. Neste caso tem a ver com a segurança em fazer qualquer tratamento de Luz.

Sabemos que o espectro de Luz tem uma parte que é chamada de Ultravioleta. Esta luz ultravioleta pode causar bastantes problemas à nossa saúde, nomeadamente à saúde da nossa pele, como é de conhecimento geral. Principalmente no Verão, altura em que as pessoas andam com maior quantidade de pele exposta ao Sol, somos alertados que devemos usar protecção, exactamente por causa dos raios ultravioletas provenientes do Sol.

"(...) Modern phototherapy lamps used in the treatment of seasonal affective disorder and sleep disorders either filter out or do not emit ultraviolet light and are considered safe and effective for the intended purpose, as long as photosensitizing drugs are not being taken at the same time and in the absence of any existing eye conditions. Light therapy is a mood altering treatment, and just as with drug treatments, there is a possibility of triggering a manic state from a depressive state, causing anxiety and other side effects. While these side-effects are usually controllable, it is recommended that patients undertake light-therapy under the supervision of an experienced clinician, rather than attempting to self-medicate.^[21]

It is reported that bright light therapy may activate the production of reproductive hormones, such as testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and estradiol.^[22][23]

There are few absolute contraindications to light therapy, although there are some circumstances in which caution is required. These include when a patient has a condition that might render his or her eyes more vulnerable to phototoxicity, has a tendency toward mania, has a photosensitive skin condition, or is taking a photosensitizing herb (such as St. John's wort) or medication.^[24] Patients with porphyria should avoid most forms of light therapy. Patients on certain drugs like methotrexate or chloroquine should use caution with light therapy as there is a chance that these drugs could cause porphyria.(...)"

in http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light_therapy#Safety

Sei que anteriormente falei destes possíveis problemas, no entanto, nunca é demais reafirmar esta posição.

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