History of UV Lamps, Types, and Their Applications

Adv Exp Med Biol. 2017:996:3-11. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-56017-5_1.

Abstract

The use of ultraviolet (UV) light, for the treatment of skin conditions, dates back to the early 1900s. It is well known that sunlight can be of therapeutic value, but it can also lead to deleterious effects such as burning and carcinogenesis. Extensive research has expanded our understanding of UV radiation and its effects in human systems and has led to the development of man-made UV sources that are more precise, safer, and more effective for the treatment of wide variety of dermatologic conditions.

Keywords: Phototherapy; Skin disease; UV lamps; UV light; UV radiation.

Publication types

  • Historical Article
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Equipment Design
  • History, 19th Century
  • History, 20th Century
  • History, 21st Century
  • Humans
  • Lasers / adverse effects
  • Lasers / history*
  • Patient Safety
  • Photochemotherapy / adverse effects
  • Photochemotherapy / history*
  • Photochemotherapy / instrumentation
  • Radiation Dosage
  • Radiation Exposure / history
  • Risk Factors
  • Skin Diseases / drug therapy
  • Skin Diseases / history*
  • Skin Diseases / radiotherapy
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ultraviolet Rays / adverse effects
  • Ultraviolet Rays / history*
  • Ultraviolet Therapy / adverse effects
  • Ultraviolet Therapy / history*
  • Ultraviolet Therapy / instrumentation