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LEG ULCERS, BED SORES AND GENERAL WOUND HEALING |
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BIOPTRON Light Therapy can promote
and speed up chronic wound healing (e.g. LEG ULCERS, BED
SORES, NON-HEALING WOUNDS) through the stimulation and
modulation of reparative and regenerative processes, anti-inflammatory
effects, and by enhancing various processes of the human
defence (immune) system. Bioptron Light Therapy is considered
a valuable therapy for the treatment of various wounds
and wound healing disorders (Publication 8).
Wound healing is a complex process consisting of different
events divided into three overlapping phases: Inflammation,
proliferation (granulation tissue formation), and remodelling.
The process of wound healing requires the interaction
of cells in the dermis (lower part of skin) and epidermis
(upper part of skin). It also requires the activity
of chemical mediators (biochemical substances responsible
for biological activities in the human body) released
from inflammatory cells, fibroblasts and keratinocytes
(specific cells playing a part in wound healing, for
example).
A) BIOPTRON FOR THE TREATMENT OF CHRONIC WOUNDS
Chronic wounds are a frequently encountered problem,
particularly in elderly persons and in bedridden patients.
Typical characteristics of chronic wounds include a
loss of skin or underlying tissue, and failure to heal
with conventional types of treatment.
Chronic wounds are difficult to heal and require a
long time to complete closure. The general ineffectiveness
of traditional medical treatments in the management
of chronic wounds has led researchers to intensively
investigate alternative therapies for treating these
wounds. The use of different sources of light in wound
healing therapy has gained particular attention recently,
and many clinical studies have evaluated the positive
role of light therapy in the management of chronic wounds.
LEG ULCERS
 A leg ulcer is defined as a wound on the leg, below
the knee, that fails to heal within 6 weeks. Venous
leg ulcers constitute more than 80% of all leg ulcers.
A venous leg ulcer occurs as a result of the failure
of the venous system to return blood to the heart. This
is usually caused by incompetent valves in the deep
veins, the long saphenous vein, the short saphenous
vein or the perforator veins of the calf. These veins
are situated in the legs. Due to weak venous valves,
blood from the deep veins in the legs flows back into
the superficial (minor) veins, whereas this traffic
of blood should only be one-way. This leads to a build-up
of blood in the superficial veins, which will slow down
and may eventually stop. This can cause a metabolic
breakdown, particularly in the surrounding skin area.
As a result, the skin may start to degenerate, giving
rise to inflammation and the gradual development of
a leg ulcer.
Venous leg ulcers are difficult to heal and their complete
healing can take years, with recurrence often being
a problem. Many patients with leg ulcers suffer from
pain and some also have problems with sleep and mobility.
The considerable morbidity of venous ulcers seriously
impairs the quality of life in the majority of patients.
The positive effect of Bioptron Light Therapy on cells
and the tissues can enhance the healing process and
quality of life in patients with venous leg ulcers.
BIOPTRON Light applied as a monotherapy (with no other
supportive medication or treatment) was instrumental
in COMPLETE WOUND HEALING in patients with venous leg
ulcers. BIOPTRON Light Therapy can also be considered
effective in the treatment of venous leg ulcers when
it is used as a component of a total wound management
program (Publication 9).
The above patients received a total of 28 BIOPTRON treatments each. (A = Before Treatment / B = After Treatment)
BED SORES (Decubitis / Pressure Sores)
 Bedsores are pressure ulcers, caused by prolonged pressure
in patients confined to a bed or wheelchair for an extended
period of time. They tend to develop on areas of the
body where bony prominence is not protected by muscle
tissue, such as the sacrum (tailbone), heels, elbow
and shoulder blades. When pressure cuts off the blood
supply, cells and tissues of the skin are damaged and
ulcers will start to form, creating a breeding ground
for harmful bacteria and further infections that are
increasingly resistant to available antibiotics.
One in 10 hospital patients, one in 8 home care patients,
and one in 4 nursing home patients suffer from bedsores.
The problem is growing worse, partly because of an ageing
population. Treatment generally involves taking pressure
off the affected area, with nurses or health care providers
having to frequently move and turn their patients. The
ulcers have to be regularly cleaned, thus adding to
the labour intensity of the treatment. Occasionally,
however, they do require surgical intervention.
BIOPTRON Light Therapy is successfully used as part
of the management of patients with bedsores in general.
BIOPTRON has shown to be a simple, non-invasive, and
effective therapy to facilitate the healing processes.
Light therapy also plays a role in the prevention of
bedsores by reducing the burden of suffering associated
with pressure ulcers.
B) BIOPTRON FOR GENERAL WOUND HEALING
 BIOPTRON Light Therapy can be a highly effective complementary
therapy in the management of a wide range of superficial
and more serious wounds. When the BIOPTRON is held over
the skin surface, energy from the emitted light penetrates
the underlying tissue. This produces a biological response,
called photo-biostimulation, causing various reactions
within these tissues that may result in the promotion
of healing. Cells that target bacteria and digest microbes
are activated, and capillary function is enhanced. This
generally results in accelerated healing processes and
rapid regeneration of epithelium (skin tissue) in the
edges and depths of a wound. Furthermore, a lessening
of the pain sensation is frequently reported.
BIOPTRON may also be used to enhance wound healing
processes in the following cases :
• Post-Operative wounds - surgical incisions
and bruising after surgery
• Traumatic Injuries - cuts and bruises after
trauma, accidents, etc
In many cases it is reported that the use of BIOPTRON
light on wounds not only enhances healing processes,
but also that the quality and appearance of the residual
scar is generally improved. This is psychologically
important to the patient, particularly if the wound
is situated on visible areas of the body such as the
face and hands, etc.
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