Phototherapy treatment: How does it work?



Light is a form of energy and everything we’re made of contains light. Did you know that a human body emits light? It is also called as biophotons or ultraweak photon emissions (UPE) and its visibility is 1,000 times lower than the sensitivity of the naked eye.  Humans mostly give off infrared radiation with frequency lower than the visible light.

Light has many effects on body. In ancient times, the Egyptians have been using the sunlight for the treatment of skin diseases. Unfortunately, since sunlight is unpredictable, it was difficult to get the correct amount. Too little would be ineffective and too much may cause skin burn.

 But in the 19th century, the real interest in the use of ultraviolet radiation in the treatment of various skin diseases started and reached its climax when Niels Finsen received the Nobel Prize for his therapeutic results with lupus vulgaris. This then marked the start of modern phototherapy.

Phototherapy, also called light therapy, is a treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light for the treatment of various skin disorders mainly psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, vitiligo, acne vulgaris and others. The treatments involve exposing the skin to ultraviolet light.

Phototherapy can either be mid wave light energy (Ultraviolet-B light or UVB) or long wave light (Ultraviolet-A light or UVA). UVB is available as narrowband or broadband. And there is also PUVA which is a combination of treatment which consists of Psoralens (P) and exposing the skin to UVA.


Treatment of different skin conditions

Eczema or Dermatitis

A common condition that usually appears as flakes on the skin, including chest, face, groin, legs, arms and scalp. It can be really itchy and can cause discomfort when it develops on the noticeable parts of the body. Ultraviolet B (UVB), ultraviolet A (UVA), or a combination of UVB and UVA may be used during therapy. PUVA has been used in the treatment of chronic eczema for the past years while UVB is less effective. This treatment helps in the reduction of skin inflammation.

Psoriasis

This is a chronic skin condition and a common inherited skin disorder. UVB phototherapy is usually used and has been shown to be effective, though either UVA or UVB light can be used. The course of treatment is given in many weeks and the time of exposure is gradually increased until it allows the skin to adapt to the treatment. However, neither phototherapy nor any available treatment affects a permanent cure.

Vitiligo

Patients with this condition have areas of completely white skin. PUVA can help with the repigmentation particularly with dark-skinned patients.




Risks

However, every treatment has risks to be taken into consideration. For phototherapy, it may result to nausea, headache, skin burning, and skin damage due to long term exposure that can also cause cancer due to effects of PUVA and UVB therapy.


What to expect

The treatment generally requires frequent visits and time for treatment. The equipment used is also quite expensive. If successful, the frequency of visits can be reduced to see further improvements. Also make sure that you aren’t being exposed to sunlight as your skin will be more sensitive, so avoid going out for a walk without sunscreen. Opt also to have regular skin exams to check for signs of skin cancer. Always consider consulting with a professional prior choosing into treatments as wrong prescription may make the conditions worst.


Interested to learn more about phototherapy? Our dermatology clinics in Australia can help you with your skin conditions! Feel free to consult with us or search for our dermatology clinics near you!





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