Philips wearable blue light device relieves psoriasis symptoms in 84% of users

Royal Philips has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its wearable therapy device, BlueControl, to treat people with mild psoriasis. Philips aims to assist people in easily treating their psoriasis with a wearable device that can be used at home.

The BlueControl device uses a rechargeable battery and can be placed on the wearer's arms, legs, elbows or knees for convenience. The device then emits a UV-free blue LED light to reduce symptoms of redness, scaling and plaque buildup. After receiving FDA clearance, Philips will begin support groups of dermatologist and patients to prepare for a commercial launch in the U.S.

"As a company, we aim to improve people's health with a broad portfolio of proven therapy solutions to enable patients with chronic conditions to manage their health at home," said David Aubert, General Manager of Philips' Light & Health business. "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 U.S., so that they will be able to prescribe Philips BlueControl to their patients."

Psoriasis vulgaris, the most common form of psoriasis, affects 80 percent of all psoriasis patients. The BlueControl wearable targets this type of the condition to relieve symptoms and slow the production of skin cell build-up. In trial testing, 84 percent of patients showed an improvement in symptoms and 83 percent rated the usability and comfort as excellent.