CA2114876A1 - Method of treating acne - Google Patents
Method of treating acneInfo
- Publication number
- CA2114876A1 CA2114876A1 CA002114876A CA2114876A CA2114876A1 CA 2114876 A1 CA2114876 A1 CA 2114876A1 CA 002114876 A CA002114876 A CA 002114876A CA 2114876 A CA2114876 A CA 2114876A CA 2114876 A1 CA2114876 A1 CA 2114876A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- light
- leds
- acne
- wavelength
- treatment
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 208000002874 Acne Vulgaris Diseases 0.000 title claims abstract description 35
- 206010000496 acne Diseases 0.000 title claims abstract description 35
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title description 7
- 230000005855 radiation Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 18
- 238000005286 illumination Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 230000001764 biostimulatory effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 230000001427 coherent effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 229940088503 dermalzone Drugs 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000004936 stimulating effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000011159 matrix material Substances 0.000 description 6
- 238000001126 phototherapy Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000003491 array Methods 0.000 description 3
- 241000532348 Gallirallus modestus Species 0.000 description 2
- 208000002193 Pain Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 206010003246 arthritis Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 229940068196 placebo Drugs 0.000 description 2
- 239000000902 placebo Substances 0.000 description 2
- 208000010392 Bone Fractures Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 206010007882 Cellulitis Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 208000032544 Cicatrix Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 201000004624 Dermatitis Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 206010056340 Diabetic ulcer Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 208000007514 Herpes zoster Diseases 0.000 description 1
- XQFRJNBWHJMXHO-RRKCRQDMSA-N IDUR Chemical compound C1[C@H](O)[C@@H](CO)O[C@H]1N1C(=O)NC(=O)C(I)=C1 XQFRJNBWHJMXHO-RRKCRQDMSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 206010061218 Inflammation Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 206010061223 Ligament injury Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 208000029549 Muscle injury Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 206010056677 Nerve degeneration Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 208000007117 Oral Ulcer Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 208000008765 Sciatica Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 206010040925 Skin striae Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 208000031439 Striae Distensae Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 206010042674 Swelling Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 208000025865 Ulcer Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 206010052428 Wound Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 208000027418 Wounds and injury Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 208000004631 alopecia areata Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 208000010668 atopic eczema Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000001684 chronic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002950 deficient Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003628 erosive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 208000015181 infectious disease Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000004054 inflammatory process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007794 irritation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000003205 muscle Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 201000008482 osteoarthritis Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 229920000136 polysorbate Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 231100000241 scar Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 230000037387 scars Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007619 statistical method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008961 swelling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001225 therapeutic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002560 therapeutic procedure Methods 0.000 description 1
- 210000001519 tissue Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 206010044652 trigeminal neuralgia Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000036269 ulceration Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N5/00—Radiation therapy
- A61N5/06—Radiation therapy using light
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
- A61B18/18—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves
- A61B18/20—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves using laser
- A61B18/203—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves using laser applying laser energy to the outside of the body
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N5/00—Radiation therapy
- A61N5/06—Radiation therapy using light
- A61N5/0613—Apparatus adapted for a specific treatment
- A61N5/0616—Skin treatment other than tanning
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
- A61B2018/00315—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body for treatment of particular body parts
- A61B2018/00452—Skin
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N5/00—Radiation therapy
- A61N5/06—Radiation therapy using light
- A61N2005/0635—Radiation therapy using light characterised by the body area to be irradiated
- A61N2005/0642—Irradiating part of the body at a certain distance
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N5/00—Radiation therapy
- A61N5/06—Radiation therapy using light
- A61N2005/0635—Radiation therapy using light characterised by the body area to be irradiated
- A61N2005/0643—Applicators, probes irradiating specific body areas in close proximity
- A61N2005/0644—Handheld applicators
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N5/00—Radiation therapy
- A61N5/06—Radiation therapy using light
- A61N2005/065—Light sources therefor
- A61N2005/0651—Diodes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N5/00—Radiation therapy
- A61N5/06—Radiation therapy using light
- A61N2005/065—Light sources therefor
- A61N2005/0651—Diodes
- A61N2005/0652—Arrays of diodes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N5/00—Radiation therapy
- A61N5/06—Radiation therapy using light
- A61N2005/0658—Radiation therapy using light characterised by the wavelength of light used
- A61N2005/0659—Radiation therapy using light characterised by the wavelength of light used infrared
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N5/00—Radiation therapy
- A61N5/06—Radiation therapy using light
- A61N2005/0658—Radiation therapy using light characterised by the wavelength of light used
- A61N2005/0662—Visible light
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N5/00—Radiation therapy
- A61N5/06—Radiation therapy using light
- A61N2005/0658—Radiation therapy using light characterised by the wavelength of light used
- A61N2005/0662—Visible light
- A61N2005/0663—Coloured light
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Pathology (AREA)
- Radiology & Medical Imaging (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Surgery (AREA)
- Biophysics (AREA)
- Electromagnetism (AREA)
- Otolaryngology (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Medical Informatics (AREA)
- Molecular Biology (AREA)
- Radiation-Therapy Devices (AREA)
Abstract
Apparatus for treating acne by illumination, including a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) operative for emitting non-coherent, substantially continuous wave (CW), light radiation in a narrow bandwidth centered at a wavelength suitable for acne treatment and means for concentrating the light of the plurality of diodes and for projecting the CW light radiation to an acne-affected zone for biostimulative treatment thereof.
Preferably, each of the LEDs emits light of substantially the same wavelength.
Preferably, each of the LEDs emits light of substantially the same wavelength.
Description
-- 21~487~
15453am.cor 250ct92 FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to apparatus and a method for light therapy.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Acne vulgaris is a disfiguring ailment of the skin. It is typically very troublesome to the sufferer.
Light therapy is known for treating a variety of pa-tient complaints and ailments. A state of the art device suitable for administering light therapy is disclosed in United States Patent 4,930,504 to Diamantopoulos et al. Diamantopoulos et al hypothesize that the disclosed device may be used, "for example, to treat inflammations, wounds, burns, chronic ulcerations in-cluding diabetic ulcers, deficient circulation, pain, nerve degeneration, eczema, shingles, infection, scars, acne, bone fractures, muscle and ligament injuries, arthritis, osteo-arthri-tis, rheumatiodal arthritis, skin grafts, gingival irritation, oral ulcers, dental pain and swelling, cellulitis, stretch marks, skin tone, alopecia areata, trigeminal neuralgia, herpes, zosten, sciatica, cervical erosions and other conditions."
Diamantopoulos et al teach the use of an array of substantially monochromatic radiation sources of a plurality of wavelengths, preferably of at least three different wavelengths.
The sources radiate in accordance with a high duty-cycle pulsed rate, and are arranged within the array such that radiation of at least two different wavelengths passes directly or indirectly through a single point located within the treated tissue.
Use of LEDs in administering light therapy for the treatment of certain ailments and complaints is disclosed in Applicant's published UK Application GB 2212010A.
- 21148~6 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention seeks to provide an apparatus and a method for therapeutic illumination which are particularly suited for treatment of acne.
There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a method of relieving acne by illumination including the steps of utilizing at least one light emitting diode (LED) by driving each of the at least one diodes in a substantially continuous wave (CW) mode to generate light radiation in a narrow bandwidth centered at a wavelength suitable for acne relief, concentrating the light of the at least one diodes and projecting the light to an acne-affected dermal zone for biostimulative treatment thereof and maintaining the light radiation for a prescribed treatment duration.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention there is also provided a method of relieving acne by illumination including the steps of utilizing at least one light emitting diode (LED) emitting non-coherent substantially single frequency light in a narrow bandwidth centered at a wavelength suitable for acne relief, concentrating the light of the at least one diodes and projecting the light to an acne-affected zone for biostimulative treatment thereof and maintaining the light radiation for a prescribed treatment duration, wherein the light emitted by each of the plurality of diodes has substantially the same wavelength and wherein the acne affected dermal zone is not simultaneously illuminated by stimulating radiation of another wavelength.
Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of LEDs is arranged along a plane and preferably includes one or more circular or linear arrays of LEDs.
Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the narrow bandwidth comprises a red light bandwidth having a wavelength of approximately 660 nm.
Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the LEDs emits a cone of light, -and the LEDs are configured and arranged such that the plurality of cones of light emitted by the LEDs intersects over the zone.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will be understood and appreciat-ed from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:
Fig. 1 is a simplified block diagram functionally showing apparatus constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 2 shows the LEDs of Fig. 1 in greater detail; and Fig. 3 shows a preferred arrangement for the physical connections of the LEDs shown schematically in Fig. 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to Fig. 1, there is shown a compact light source 1 and an associated control unit 2 which preferably has a CW (continuous wave) mode of operation. The light source 1 com-prises a plurality of LEDs 4 which receive power via a driver circuit 6. Preferably, each of the LEDs 4 emits light of substan-tially the same frequency. The control unit 2 contains a power supply 7 and a timer 10 which can be constituted by a standard clock circuit provided with "set time" switches, and whose func-tion is to disable the control circuit 2 after a preset time has elapsed.
An amplitude and/or duty cycle variation circuit 12 provides a d.c. signal with a variable amplitude and/or duty cycle which is fed to the driver 6 of the light source 1. Thus, the light source 1 emits light continuously with a magnitude and/or duty cycle determined by amplitude/duty cycle variation circuit 12.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, LEDs 4 are driven by driver 6 in accordance with CW mode of operation controlled by control unit 2. Experimental results show that a pure CW mode of operation is more effective than either a PW
(pulsed wave) mode or any combination of the two modes.
Fig. 2 shows a preferred embodiment of LEDs 4 in de-tail. The LEDs 4 are arranged in the form of an LED matrix 20 comprising a plurality of parallel branches each of which con-tains a predetermined number of LEDs connected in series. Thus, in Fig. 2, three LEDs 22a, 23a and 24a are connected in series and constitute one parallel branch of the diode matrix 20. The current flowing through this branch is limited by means of a series resistor 26a, and the resulting branch is connected be-tween a high voltage d.c. rail 28 and a low voltage d.c. rail 30.
Thus, one terminal of the series connected current-limiting resistor is connected to the high voltage rail whilst the cathode of LED 24a is connected to the low voltage rail 30. The connec-tion of all other branches of the LED matrix 20 is identical.
According to an alternative embodiment, series resistor 26a and power supply 7 may be replaced by a current source.
Fig. 3 shows a preferred arrangement for the physical connections of the LEDs shown schematically in Fig. 2. The LEDs 4 are preferably disposed on a planar surface 40, and are arranged along and angled with respect to the planar surface, such that their light outputs illuminate a defined area 42 such as an acne-afflicted portion of skin. In a preferred embodiment, the area 42 which the LEDs illuminate is substantially circular with a diameter of approximately 1.2 cm. The LEDs may be arranged in any suitable manner on planar surface 40, such as in one, two or more concentric circles, or such as in one or more linear arrays. It will be understood that the greater the number of LEDs connected within the LED matrix 20 of Fig. 2, the greater will be the intensity of the light output by the light source 1 (Fig. l).
It will be appreciated that each of the LEDs emits a cone of light, and the LEDs are configured and arranged such that the plurality of cones of light emitted by the plurality of LEDs intersects over the area 42, thereby concentrating their illumination on area 42.
The operation of the system is as follows. The amplitude and/or duty cycle variation circuit 12 operates so as to provide d.c. voltage with variable amplitude and/or duty cycle between the high voltage supply rail 28 and the ground terminal 30. Thus, by varying the setting of the amplitude/duty cycle variation circuit 12, the overall current flowing through the LED
matrix 20 may be varied, and, therefore, the light intensity of the light source 1. As mentioned above, it is preferred that variation circuit 12 is set to a substantially continuous-wave mode of operation.
A preferred power level is approximately 10 - 30 mW/cm2, such as 20 mW/cm2.
Thus, the invention affords low cost apparatus for treating acne by producing a non-coherent source of illumination, preferably in CW mode, which is focussed over a small area. The exact wavelength of the illumination is confined within a rela-tively narrow bandwidth (+/- 25 nm) and its central value may be 211~7~
-predetermined by suitable selection of the LEDs in the LED matrix 20. Experimental evidence indicates that red light, such as 660 nm light, is particularly suitable for the treatment of acne. The average intensity of the emitted illumination may easily be varied by the operator, and the therapy time may be preset by means of the integral timer circuit which is preferably provided.
It will be appreciated that the particular features of the methods and apparatus shown and described herein may be employed separately or in combination in any suitable manner so as to enhance efficacy of treatment.
Variations on the apparatus shown and described herein are disclosed in Published UK application GB 2212010A. However, it is believed that the embodiment described hereinabove with reference to Figs. 1 - 3 is a preferred embodiment for treatment of acne. Supporting experimental results are now described.
The first experiment relates to the search for an efficient wavelength to be used in the method of treating acne described hereinabove. In a double blind study, three groups of acne-afflicted patients, each group consisting of 10 patients, were compared. The first group was a control group which was treated by placebo only. The second group was exposed to CW IR
radiation combined with some additional red radiation, generated by an array of LEDs. The third group was exposed to CW red-wavelength illumination (660 nm) only, generated by an array of LEDs. Statistical analysis of the results indicated that the IR
treatment was not significantly more effective than the placebo treatment. However, the red-wavelength treatment was found to be effective at a statistically significant level.
Although this first experiment had been performed using red light radiation of 660nm, it should be appreciated that other wavelengths which can be used may yield comperative results.
The second experiment compared between the CW mode of operation, which is utilized in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a combination mode which includes both a CW and a PW (pulsed wave) modes of operation, wherein both modes use arrays of LEDs as light sources. The CW mode proved to be - 211487~
effectively suitable for acne relief.
The results of these and other experiments indicate that most effective acne treatment results are achieved when using light in the red bandwidth illuminated in a CW mode of operation.
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been par-ticularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather, the scope of the present invention is defined only by the claims that follow:
15453am.cor 250ct92 FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to apparatus and a method for light therapy.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Acne vulgaris is a disfiguring ailment of the skin. It is typically very troublesome to the sufferer.
Light therapy is known for treating a variety of pa-tient complaints and ailments. A state of the art device suitable for administering light therapy is disclosed in United States Patent 4,930,504 to Diamantopoulos et al. Diamantopoulos et al hypothesize that the disclosed device may be used, "for example, to treat inflammations, wounds, burns, chronic ulcerations in-cluding diabetic ulcers, deficient circulation, pain, nerve degeneration, eczema, shingles, infection, scars, acne, bone fractures, muscle and ligament injuries, arthritis, osteo-arthri-tis, rheumatiodal arthritis, skin grafts, gingival irritation, oral ulcers, dental pain and swelling, cellulitis, stretch marks, skin tone, alopecia areata, trigeminal neuralgia, herpes, zosten, sciatica, cervical erosions and other conditions."
Diamantopoulos et al teach the use of an array of substantially monochromatic radiation sources of a plurality of wavelengths, preferably of at least three different wavelengths.
The sources radiate in accordance with a high duty-cycle pulsed rate, and are arranged within the array such that radiation of at least two different wavelengths passes directly or indirectly through a single point located within the treated tissue.
Use of LEDs in administering light therapy for the treatment of certain ailments and complaints is disclosed in Applicant's published UK Application GB 2212010A.
- 21148~6 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention seeks to provide an apparatus and a method for therapeutic illumination which are particularly suited for treatment of acne.
There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a method of relieving acne by illumination including the steps of utilizing at least one light emitting diode (LED) by driving each of the at least one diodes in a substantially continuous wave (CW) mode to generate light radiation in a narrow bandwidth centered at a wavelength suitable for acne relief, concentrating the light of the at least one diodes and projecting the light to an acne-affected dermal zone for biostimulative treatment thereof and maintaining the light radiation for a prescribed treatment duration.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention there is also provided a method of relieving acne by illumination including the steps of utilizing at least one light emitting diode (LED) emitting non-coherent substantially single frequency light in a narrow bandwidth centered at a wavelength suitable for acne relief, concentrating the light of the at least one diodes and projecting the light to an acne-affected zone for biostimulative treatment thereof and maintaining the light radiation for a prescribed treatment duration, wherein the light emitted by each of the plurality of diodes has substantially the same wavelength and wherein the acne affected dermal zone is not simultaneously illuminated by stimulating radiation of another wavelength.
Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of LEDs is arranged along a plane and preferably includes one or more circular or linear arrays of LEDs.
Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the narrow bandwidth comprises a red light bandwidth having a wavelength of approximately 660 nm.
Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the LEDs emits a cone of light, -and the LEDs are configured and arranged such that the plurality of cones of light emitted by the LEDs intersects over the zone.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will be understood and appreciat-ed from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:
Fig. 1 is a simplified block diagram functionally showing apparatus constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 2 shows the LEDs of Fig. 1 in greater detail; and Fig. 3 shows a preferred arrangement for the physical connections of the LEDs shown schematically in Fig. 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to Fig. 1, there is shown a compact light source 1 and an associated control unit 2 which preferably has a CW (continuous wave) mode of operation. The light source 1 com-prises a plurality of LEDs 4 which receive power via a driver circuit 6. Preferably, each of the LEDs 4 emits light of substan-tially the same frequency. The control unit 2 contains a power supply 7 and a timer 10 which can be constituted by a standard clock circuit provided with "set time" switches, and whose func-tion is to disable the control circuit 2 after a preset time has elapsed.
An amplitude and/or duty cycle variation circuit 12 provides a d.c. signal with a variable amplitude and/or duty cycle which is fed to the driver 6 of the light source 1. Thus, the light source 1 emits light continuously with a magnitude and/or duty cycle determined by amplitude/duty cycle variation circuit 12.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, LEDs 4 are driven by driver 6 in accordance with CW mode of operation controlled by control unit 2. Experimental results show that a pure CW mode of operation is more effective than either a PW
(pulsed wave) mode or any combination of the two modes.
Fig. 2 shows a preferred embodiment of LEDs 4 in de-tail. The LEDs 4 are arranged in the form of an LED matrix 20 comprising a plurality of parallel branches each of which con-tains a predetermined number of LEDs connected in series. Thus, in Fig. 2, three LEDs 22a, 23a and 24a are connected in series and constitute one parallel branch of the diode matrix 20. The current flowing through this branch is limited by means of a series resistor 26a, and the resulting branch is connected be-tween a high voltage d.c. rail 28 and a low voltage d.c. rail 30.
Thus, one terminal of the series connected current-limiting resistor is connected to the high voltage rail whilst the cathode of LED 24a is connected to the low voltage rail 30. The connec-tion of all other branches of the LED matrix 20 is identical.
According to an alternative embodiment, series resistor 26a and power supply 7 may be replaced by a current source.
Fig. 3 shows a preferred arrangement for the physical connections of the LEDs shown schematically in Fig. 2. The LEDs 4 are preferably disposed on a planar surface 40, and are arranged along and angled with respect to the planar surface, such that their light outputs illuminate a defined area 42 such as an acne-afflicted portion of skin. In a preferred embodiment, the area 42 which the LEDs illuminate is substantially circular with a diameter of approximately 1.2 cm. The LEDs may be arranged in any suitable manner on planar surface 40, such as in one, two or more concentric circles, or such as in one or more linear arrays. It will be understood that the greater the number of LEDs connected within the LED matrix 20 of Fig. 2, the greater will be the intensity of the light output by the light source 1 (Fig. l).
It will be appreciated that each of the LEDs emits a cone of light, and the LEDs are configured and arranged such that the plurality of cones of light emitted by the plurality of LEDs intersects over the area 42, thereby concentrating their illumination on area 42.
The operation of the system is as follows. The amplitude and/or duty cycle variation circuit 12 operates so as to provide d.c. voltage with variable amplitude and/or duty cycle between the high voltage supply rail 28 and the ground terminal 30. Thus, by varying the setting of the amplitude/duty cycle variation circuit 12, the overall current flowing through the LED
matrix 20 may be varied, and, therefore, the light intensity of the light source 1. As mentioned above, it is preferred that variation circuit 12 is set to a substantially continuous-wave mode of operation.
A preferred power level is approximately 10 - 30 mW/cm2, such as 20 mW/cm2.
Thus, the invention affords low cost apparatus for treating acne by producing a non-coherent source of illumination, preferably in CW mode, which is focussed over a small area. The exact wavelength of the illumination is confined within a rela-tively narrow bandwidth (+/- 25 nm) and its central value may be 211~7~
-predetermined by suitable selection of the LEDs in the LED matrix 20. Experimental evidence indicates that red light, such as 660 nm light, is particularly suitable for the treatment of acne. The average intensity of the emitted illumination may easily be varied by the operator, and the therapy time may be preset by means of the integral timer circuit which is preferably provided.
It will be appreciated that the particular features of the methods and apparatus shown and described herein may be employed separately or in combination in any suitable manner so as to enhance efficacy of treatment.
Variations on the apparatus shown and described herein are disclosed in Published UK application GB 2212010A. However, it is believed that the embodiment described hereinabove with reference to Figs. 1 - 3 is a preferred embodiment for treatment of acne. Supporting experimental results are now described.
The first experiment relates to the search for an efficient wavelength to be used in the method of treating acne described hereinabove. In a double blind study, three groups of acne-afflicted patients, each group consisting of 10 patients, were compared. The first group was a control group which was treated by placebo only. The second group was exposed to CW IR
radiation combined with some additional red radiation, generated by an array of LEDs. The third group was exposed to CW red-wavelength illumination (660 nm) only, generated by an array of LEDs. Statistical analysis of the results indicated that the IR
treatment was not significantly more effective than the placebo treatment. However, the red-wavelength treatment was found to be effective at a statistically significant level.
Although this first experiment had been performed using red light radiation of 660nm, it should be appreciated that other wavelengths which can be used may yield comperative results.
The second experiment compared between the CW mode of operation, which is utilized in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and a combination mode which includes both a CW and a PW (pulsed wave) modes of operation, wherein both modes use arrays of LEDs as light sources. The CW mode proved to be - 211487~
effectively suitable for acne relief.
The results of these and other experiments indicate that most effective acne treatment results are achieved when using light in the red bandwidth illuminated in a CW mode of operation.
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been par-ticularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather, the scope of the present invention is defined only by the claims that follow:
Claims (18)
1. Apparatus for treating acne by illumination, comprising:
a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) operative for emitting non-coherent, substantially continuous wave (CW), light radiation in a narrow bandwidth centered at a wavelength suitable for acne treatment; and means for concentrating the light of the plurality of diodes and for projecting the CW light radiation to an acne-affected zone for biostimulative treatment thereof.
a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) operative for emitting non-coherent, substantially continuous wave (CW), light radiation in a narrow bandwidth centered at a wavelength suitable for acne treatment; and means for concentrating the light of the plurality of diodes and for projecting the CW light radiation to an acne-affected zone for biostimulative treatment thereof.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of LEDs emits light of substantially the same wavelength.
3. Apparatus for treating acne by illumination, comprising:
a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs), each diode including means for emitting non-coherent light radiation in a narrow bandwidth centered at a wavelength suitable for acne treatment; and means for concentrating the light of the plurality of diodes and for projecting the light radiation to an acne-affected zone for biostimulative treatment thereof, wherein each of the plurality of LEDs emits light of substantially the same frequency, and wherein the acne affected dermal zone is not simultaneously illuminated by stimulating radiation of another wavelength.
a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs), each diode including means for emitting non-coherent light radiation in a narrow bandwidth centered at a wavelength suitable for acne treatment; and means for concentrating the light of the plurality of diodes and for projecting the light radiation to an acne-affected zone for biostimulative treatment thereof, wherein each of the plurality of LEDs emits light of substantially the same frequency, and wherein the acne affected dermal zone is not simultaneously illuminated by stimulating radiation of another wavelength.
4. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims wherein said plurality of LEDs comprises a planar array of LEDs.
5. Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the planar array of LEDs comprises at least one concentric circular array of LEDs.
6. Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the planar array of LEDs comprises at least one linear array of LEDs.
7. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 3 wherein the narrow bandwidth comprises a red light bandwidth.
8. Apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the red light wavelength is approximately 660 nm.
9. Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the narrow bandwidth comprises a red light bandwidth.
10. Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the red light wavelength is approximately 660 nm.
11. Apparatus according to claim 5 or 6 wherein the narrow bandwidth comprises a red light bandwidth.
12. Apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the red light wavelength is approximately 660 nm.
13. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 and also comprising a continuous wave LED driver for driving the plurality of LEDs in continuous wave (CW) mode.
14. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein each of the LEDs emits a cone of light, and the LEDs are configured and arranged such that the plurality of cones of light emitted by the plurality of LEDs intersects over said zone.
15. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein each of the LEDs emits a cone of light, and the LEDs are configured and arranged such that the plurality of cones of light emitted by the plurality of LEDs intersects over said zone.
16. Apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein each of LEDs emits a cone of light, and the LEDs are configured and arranged such that the plurality of cones of light emitted by the plurality of LEDs intersects over said zone.
17. Apparatus for treating acne by illumination and comprising:
a planar array of light emitting diodes comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes each diode including means for emitting non-coherent substantially single wavelength light radiation in a narrow bandwidth centered at a wavelength suitable for acne treatment; and means for concentrating the light of the plurality of diodes and for projecting the light to an acne-affected zone for biostimulative treatment thereof.
a planar array of light emitting diodes comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes each diode including means for emitting non-coherent substantially single wavelength light radiation in a narrow bandwidth centered at a wavelength suitable for acne treatment; and means for concentrating the light of the plurality of diodes and for projecting the light to an acne-affected zone for biostimulative treatment thereof.
18. Apparatus for treating acne by illumination and comprising:
at least one light emitting diode (LED) each diode including means for emitting non-coherent substantially single wavelength light radiation in a narrow bandwidth centered at a wavelength suitable for acne treatment; and means for concentrating the light of the at least one diode and for projecting the light to an acne-affected zone for biostimulative treatment thereof, wherein the narrow bandwidth comprises a red light bandwidth.
at least one light emitting diode (LED) each diode including means for emitting non-coherent substantially single wavelength light radiation in a narrow bandwidth centered at a wavelength suitable for acne treatment; and means for concentrating the light of the at least one diode and for projecting the light to an acne-affected zone for biostimulative treatment thereof, wherein the narrow bandwidth comprises a red light bandwidth.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002114876A CA2114876A1 (en) | 1994-02-03 | 1994-02-03 | Method of treating acne |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002114876A CA2114876A1 (en) | 1994-02-03 | 1994-02-03 | Method of treating acne |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2114876A1 true CA2114876A1 (en) | 1995-08-04 |
Family
ID=4152847
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002114876A Abandoned CA2114876A1 (en) | 1994-02-03 | 1994-02-03 | Method of treating acne |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2114876A1 (en) |
-
1994
- 1994-02-03 CA CA002114876A patent/CA2114876A1/en not_active Abandoned
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US5549660A (en) | Method of treating acne | |
| US5500009A (en) | Method of treating herpes | |
| US5683436A (en) | Treatment of rhinitis by biostimulative illumination | |
| CA2257394C (en) | A device for external medical treatment with monochromatic light | |
| EP0740568B1 (en) | Device for medical external treatment by means of light | |
| Kitchen et al. | A review of low level laser therapy: Part I: background, physiological effects and hazards | |
| US4930504A (en) | Device for biostimulation of tissue and method for treatment of tissue | |
| US20060241726A1 (en) | Cosmetic or therapeutic methods and apparatus | |
| US5591219A (en) | Frequency modulator | |
| US20090005631A1 (en) | Photo-magnetic radiation device | |
| US20050015121A1 (en) | Light wand for healing tissue | |
| KR100670937B1 (en) | Apparatus for receiving beauty treatment of skin using led | |
| US20070073366A1 (en) | Portable rechargeable therapeutic device and method of using the same | |
| WO1995010243A1 (en) | Apparatus for treatment of the oral cavity | |
| JP2001187157A (en) | Laser beam therapy apparatus | |
| US20200108268A1 (en) | Photo-therapeutic method and apparatus | |
| CA2251551A1 (en) | Method for treating pathological conditions of tissues with non-coherent radiation and device therefor | |
| WO2010150175A1 (en) | Radiation power profile, apparatus and method for phototherapy | |
| JPH07100219A (en) | Medical treatment of acne | |
| KR20030041703A (en) | laser/LED pad for use in photochemistry medical | |
| US20040002744A1 (en) | Frequency modulator | |
| CA2114876A1 (en) | Method of treating acne | |
| CH702877A2 (en) | Device for light exposure on the body of a living being. | |
| KR20210133860A (en) | Helmet for preventing hair loss by using the laser for medical treatment | |
| EP1518585B1 (en) | Medical therapeutical radiation treatment apparatus using a plurality of light sources |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |