[Incoherent light in dermatology].

In the everyday practice of dermatology, we encounter light in many ways. The biological and physical interactions between light and skin make light a potent diagnostic and therapeutic tool when well directed. This contribution intends to illuminate the possible uses of light-emitting diodes and high-energy flashlamps in dermatology. Both sources of light have only recently been employed in dermatology and in addition to broadband ultraviolet (UV) light sources, high-pressure gas discharge lamps, and halogen lamps enrich the armamentarium of incoherent light sources.