Phototherapy – Phototherapy

Description phototherapy

When phototherapy skin certain amount of time exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light source. Light therapy is used to treat certain skin diseases. Phototherapy for treatment using artificial ultraviolet radiation source.

Reasons for the use of phototherapy

Skin diseases, who are treated with phototherapy include:

• Psoriasis – skin disease, which causes red, silver, scaly patches on the skin;
• Atopic dermatitis – eczema (itch, erythema) or dermatitis due to allergies;
• Granulosarcoid (cutaneous T-cell lymphoma) – type of lymphoma, Distribution is limited to the skin;
• Vitiligo – skin disease, wherein the normal skin pigment is lost due to destruction of pigment cells of the immune system.

Possible complications of phototherapy

Ultraviolet light can adversely affect the skin in several ways, including may:

• Skin conditions may temporarily worsen;
• Itching of the skin;
• Redness of the skin following exposure to light;
• Burning skin.

Of PUVA, in particular, may:

• Nausea (after the adoption of psoralen tablets);
• Skin burns;
• Cataracts (lens of the eye becomes cloudy, reducing sight);
• Headache;
• Fatigue.

If you conducted a large number of phototherapy treatments, the patient is at risk:

• Premature aging of the skin, wrinkles and dryness;
• May appear age spots or freckles;

Factors, that may increase the risk of complications include:

• Allergy to the sun;
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding;
• Disease (such, as skin cancer or lupus), which require prevention of sun;
• History of skin cancer;
• Liver disease (phototherapy can increase the level of toxins in the blood).

How is phototherapy?

Preparation for the procedure

The patient must remove clothing or open areas of the body, who need treatment. The, that will not be exposed to light should be covered and protected as much as possible.

• It is necessary to use sunscreen, to protect the neck, lips, and some parts of the arms;
• To save eyesight, you need to wear special glasses. They protect the eyes from ultraviolet radiation;
• Men need to cover the genitals. Women should apply sunscreen, to protect the nipple and areola (the area around the nipple).

It is necessary to ensure, that the doctor is aware of medications taken by the patient. Some medications, including non-prescription, increase the risk of side effects.

Procedure phototherapy

Types of phototherapy include:

• Широкополосная UVB терапия – treatment with ultraviolet radiation, type B. This type of phototherapy can not be used in areas, where there are skin folds;
• Narrow phototherapy (nbUVB) – when using this method source emits a narrow waveband UVB. They can reach the deeper areas, even skin folds;
• PUVA – This type of therapy involves taking the drug psoralen, which makes the skin more sensitive to UV radiation. Psoralen can take the form of tablets or applied to the skin;
• Laser therapy – excimer laser emits ultraviolet light, more narrow, than when nbUVB therapy. The beam can be directed to specific small areas of skin. Excimer laser – the most advanced at the moment the procedure.

For all, except laser, It uses a special type of phototherapy device as similar to the cabinet box, inside of which the UV lamps. For the treatment of small areas of the skin can be used a small ultraviolet emitters.

In the treatment using the excimer laser, the light beam will be sent directly to the affected skin. The procedure lasts less than five minutes.

How long does the procedure for phototherapy?

The first session, usually, very short, perhaps even it will take a few seconds. Further the duration of phototherapy sessions will vary, and it depends on the skin type and intensity. One treatment session, usually, It lasts only a few minutes.

For the treatment of skin diseases require several sessions per week. To complete the full course of treatment takes about 10 weeks.

• Broadband therapy requires approximately 3-5 treatments per week;
• Narrowband therapy requires fewer treatments (2-3 procedures) every week;
• When PUVA treatment usually takes about 25 Procedures for 2-3 months;
• Laser treatments, necessary to clean the skin, held twice a week and less.

Treatment will continue, until the skin is cleansed. Sometimes, after the treatment may require preventive intervention. It is usually performed in a doctor's office, or at home (if you want a small irradiation intensity)

Will it hurt?

Perhaps the feeling of warmth on the skin, like a small sunburn.

Care after the procedure phototherapy

During the course of phototherapy should avoid natural sunlight:

• Outdoors you should use closed clothes and sunscreen. They will help to avoid excessive UV radiation;
• There is a great risk of sunburn after PUVA treatment. This is associated with increased sensitivity to light upon receiving psoralen;
• It is important to protect your eyes from the sun during the next 24 hours after treatment. This will help prevent cataracts, clouding of the lens after PUVA treatment;
• The doctor should regularly examine your skin for the prevention or early detection of skin cancer – prolonged exposure to sunlight – One of the causes for skin cancer. Long term PUVA treatment can increase the risk of skin cancer. No studies have found a direct link UVB phototherapy, and increased risk of skin cancer;
• To relieve the itching may be prescribed antihistamines or other medications.

It is necessary to go to the hospital in the following cases

• There are signs of infection, including fever and chills;
• Redness or discharge around the damaged area of ​​the skin;
• There were severe skin burns, pain or blisters;
• Side effects of treatment persist or worsen;
• The emergence of new or unexplained symptoms.