UV Phototherapy knowledge
1. What is UV Phototherapy?
UV Phototherapy is the use of UV light to treat psoriasis, vitiligo, eczema and other skin disorders. In treatments, the skin is exposed to a special type of light which comes from a medical device commonly referred to as a phototherapy unit. These units range from hand-held and table-top devices for spot treatment of small areas to cabinet or “walk-in” units for patients requiring full body treatment. The medical lamps in these phototherapy units emit ultraviolet (UV) light in a wavelength that creates changes within the skin cells. The cells in most patients then begin to behave normally, which reduce or eliminate the symptoms of the skin disease.
2. Why Choose Phototherapy ?
Phototherapy is Safer…Narrow Band UVB phototherapy is considered a first-line treatment for many conditions such as psoriasis, vitiligo and eczema, is safe enough for pregnant women and children to use, and has none of the serious side effects associated with competing biological drug therapies
Phototherapy is More Affordable…In-office phototherapy treatments or the one-time cost of a home unit are reasonably priced. Other treatments such as biological drug therapies can cost more than the price of the average car – EACH YEAR!
Phototherapy Works Faster…For psoriasis, both Narrow Band Phototherapy and PUVA have clearance times of only 4-5 weeks. That means clear skin twice as fast as biological drugs.
Phototherapy is More Effective…For decades, reports have shown consistently high rates of clearance for both PUVA and Narrow Band UVB. In addition, patients who stop using phototherapy seldom suffer from the rebounds that are common with other treatments.
3.How do Phototherapy Lights Work?
Ultraviolet Phototherapy lights slow abnormal growth of normal skin cells. Phototherapy uses different wavelengths of the UV spectrum based on which condition is to be treated. The safest wavelengths, narrowband UVB, have been shown to be very effective in treating psoriasis and in the repigmentation process for vitiligo.
4.What is Phototherapy Treatment Like?
This depends on your condition. For psoriasis, phototherapy lights are usually used 3 times per week, with sessions starting with a few seconds and increasing to several minutes over time. Once skin is clear, your doctor will determine whether maintenance requires regular phototherapy or whether your remission needs only periodic checkups.
Types of UV Phototherapy
1,UVB Phototherapy
UVB treatments are doing in a physician’s office, clinic or at home with a home phototherapy device. There are two types of UVB treatments: broad-band and narrow-band. The major difference between them is that narrow-band UVB units emit a more specific or “narrow” range of UV wavelengths. Narrow-band UVB is now more frequently used than broad-band UVB.
2.Narrow Band UVB
Narrow Band UVB has proven to be the most effective phototherapy treatment option for thousands of psoriasis patients all over the world. With more research being done every day on conditions such as eczema and vitiligo, Narrow Band UVB continues to show its ability with its promising results.
3.Benefits of Narrow Band UVB Therapy
Reducing UV in wavelengths below 311 nm permits higher intensities and longer exposure times, so patients can take the maximum benefit from phototherapy.
This increased effectiveness results in a shorter course of treatment.
Extensive research confirms that patients not only avoid the danger of serious burning from exposure, they may also enjoy longer remission periods after treatment.
Remission periods are similar to those with PUVA therapy and obviously superior to broad band UVB treatment. Studies show 38-40 percent of narrow band treated patients require no additional therapy for at least 12 months.
5.PUVA
PUVA combines a Psoralen drug with exposure to ultraviolet light A (UVA). Psoralen makes the body very sensitive to UVA rays. It may be used on a short- term basis to bring a severe case of psoriasis under control. The main long-term side effect of PUVA is the increased risk of skin cancer.
UV phototherapy treatment attention:
1. Should adhere to the long-term treatment, generally adhere to the phototherapy 3 months above effect is better. Suggest irradiation four months time, stop phototherapy 1-2 weeks.
2. Should avoid injury, especially in the development stage.
3. Topical corticosteroids for vitiligo area should be "surface area 10%; Progress period should be careful with stimulating the coated, such as: psoralen kind, nitrogen mustard, etc.
4. Infant vitiligo systems use of glucocorticoid hormone or phototherapy should be careful, do not recommend using photochemical therapy.
5. Treatment period, unfit to eat sour orange, FIG, parsley, potherb etc photosensitization vegetables and tetracycline, sulfanilamide, promethazine, hibernate spirit with photosensitization drugs.
6. During treatment should avoid additional solar radiation. The treatment time exposure out part should be used more than SPF15 sunscreen.
7. Treatment process, cover or use sunscreen to protect skin surrounding area, irradiation surface face in the process, to wear goggles to protect his eyes.
8. After treatment should avoid exposure site excessive insolation, go out with clothes cover or use sunscreen.
