Clinical and biological relevance of visible and infrared radiation

Abstract

Visible and infrared radiation spectra have numerous biological and clinical effects on the skin. Visible spectrum radiation can induce transient erythema and persistent pigmentation and can also induce free radical production along with DNA damage. Visible light also plays a role in the pathogenesis of solar urticarial, chronic actinic dermatitis, and porphyrias and is used in the treatment of hyperbilirubinemia and acne vulgaris. Infrared radiation is capable of inducing erythema, thermal pain, and photoaging in addition to cytotoxicity, DNA damage, and oxidative stress. Infrared radiation can also cause erythema ab igne and plays a role in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Lasers in the visible and infrared spectrum have been widely used in the treatment of a variety of dermatologic conditions such as vascular and pigmented lesions and keloids. Photoprotection from visible and infrared radiation and diagnostic imaging using visible and infrared radiation are important topics that have recently been explored.