Niels Ryberg Finsen
Niels Ryberg Finsen was a Danish physician who is recognized as a pioneer in the field of modern phototherapy, also known as light therapy. This therapeutic approach utilizes natural or artificial light to treat various medical conditions, including skin disorders and psychological issues like seasonal affective disorder. Finsen was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1903 for his innovative work in this emerging field.
Despite initial challenges in his education, Finsen pursued medical studies in Copenhagen, earning his license in 1890. He later became prosector of anatomy at the University of Copenhagen, but left to focus on research, culminating in the establishment of the Finsen Institute in 1896. His personal health struggles with Pick's disease motivated him to explore light as a potential treatment, leading to the development of the first artificial light source for medical use.
Finsen’s research laid the groundwork for ongoing advancements in phototherapy, which remains relevant today for treating conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. His legacy is honored at the Finsen Institute at Copenhagen University Hospital.
On this Page
Subject Terms
Niels Ryberg Finsen
Danish physician considered the founder of modern phototherapy, or light therapy
- Born: December 15, 1860; Tórshavn, Faroe Islands, Denmark
- Died: September 24, 1904; Copenhagen, Denmark
Overview
Danish physician considered the founder of modern phototherapy, or light therapy. Niels Ryberg Finsen, a Danish physician, is believed to have founded modern phototherapy, or light therapy, which involves using natural or derived radiation for the treatment of various physical and psychological ailments (such as acne, seasonal affective disorder, and lupus). In 1903, Finsen received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his work in the early field of phototherapy.
As a young child, Finsen reportedly had initial difficulties in schooling when enrolled in a boarding school, where he was described as having “low skills and energy.” As a result, he was transferred to a school attended by his father as a child, where Finsen performed much better. Finsen eventually studied medicine in Copenhagen beginning in 1882, and he received his license in 1890. In the same year, he became prosector of anatomy at the University of Copenhagen, which he left in 1893 to devote more time to his scientific research. He founded the Finsen Institute in 1896, which served as the locale for much of his research work.
Finsen had Pick’s disease, which is characterized by progressive thickening of the connective tissue of certain membranes in the liver, spleen, and heart. Over the course of his disease, Finsen’s symptoms worsened and eventually led him to experiment with light to treat his ailment. He initially posited that exposure to sunlight could likely improve his overall condition, which led him to further investigate alternative light sources for treatment. He eventually developed the first artificial light source for the purpose of medical treatment, using his invention to treat lupus, smallpox, and other ailments. Finsen also recognized that while some sunlight and light exposure could have beneficial effects, too much exposure could lead to negative effects, such as tissue damage.
Phototherapy has been further developed, and it continues to be used to treat a number of ailments, especially those that are related to the skin. In the twenty-first century, phototherapy is used to treat psoriasis, eczema, newborn jaundice, and vitiligo. Finsen’s contributions continue to be recognized, although the field of phototherapy has declined somewhat in recent years because other treatments are now available. The Finsen Institute at Copenhagen University Hospital is named in his honor.
Bibliography
Hobday, Richard. The Healing Sun: Sunlight and Health in the Twenty-First Century. Forres, Scotland: Findhorn Press, 2000.
“Finsen, Niels Ryberg.” In Life Sciences in the Twentieth Century: Biographical Portraits, by Everett Mendelsohn and Brian S. Baigrie. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 2001.
“Niels Ryberg Finsen – Facts.” Nobel Prize, 16 Aug. 2023, www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/1903/finsen/facts. Accessed 16 Aug. 2023.
“Phototherapy (Light Therapy): What It Is, Uses, Benefits & Risks.” Cleveland Clinic, 28 Oct. 2022, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24385-phototherapy-light-therapy. Accessed 16 Aug. 2023.