A scientific study has revealed a new blue-light therapy treatment can reduce symptoms of psoriasis in 84 percent of patients.
The at-home device also decreased the thickness of skin, redness and scaling.
The clinical trial by German researchers tested the results of the Philips BlueControl device, which is sold in Europe and has recently been given clearance from the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) in the US.
Psoriasis is a chronic condition that is caused by too many skin cells being made. The blue LED light is shone directly on the skin and works by slowing down the accelerated production of skin cells.
It also reduces the inflammation that causes the red plaques on sufferers, researchers found.
Psoriasis sufferers were shown to get relief from their symptoms through a new blue-light therapy in a clinical trial (stock photo)
The Philips BlueControl device was shown to reduce symptoms in 84 percent of patients
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes red, flaky, crusty patches of skin covered with silvery scales.
It affects around two percent of people in the US and UK.
The severity of varies greatly from person to person. For some people it’s just a minor irritation, but for others it can have a major impact on their quality of life.
Around 80 percent of psoriasis patients worldwide suffer from the most common form – psoriasis vulgaris, also known as plaque psoriasis, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation USA.
Key findings
The test was carried out by researchers at the University Hospital of Aachen in Germany.
The patients had the treatment delivered through the rechargeable, battery-powered device which is placed on affected areas such as the arms, legs, elbows and knees using adjustable straps.
According to manufacturer Philips Healthcare, it takes about 15 minutes per day, per plaque, for the therapy to work.
The team note that in some cases, complete disappearance of the plaque was observed.
Additionally, 83 percent of patients rated the usability and comfort of the device as ideal or excellent.
Previous research has linked the scaly skin condition to heart disease, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers.
Commercial launch
Philips obtained CE-marking for its BlueControl device in 2015, and began selling it in selected countries in Europe including the UK and Germany.
Following the FDA clearance in July, Philips has been engaging with dermatologists to prepare for commercial launch in the US market in early 2018.
David Aubert, General Manager of Philips’ Light & Health business said: ‘Philips BlueControl is a clinically proven light therapy device that can be easily integrated into a patient’s daily routine.
‘We are pleased that we can now start marketing this innovative home treatment solution for psoriasis to dermatologists in the US, so that they will be able to prescribe Philips BlueControl to their patients.’
Other treatment options for psoriasis also include topical creams and ointments and systemic medications, either infections or taken orally, that work throughout the entire body.
Often, different types of treatment are used in combination.