Phototherapy
The use of ultraviolet light in the treatment of photo-responsive skin diseases is time tested!!
In olden days, the sunlight was the only source of light which showed that light could heal many conditions. Phototherapy is using therapeutic UV rays to treat specific skin conditions. Photochemotherapy is combined use of drug psoralen and UV-A radiation.
Use of ultraviolet light in the treatment of photo-responsive skin diseases is time tested, safe and effective. Advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis of skin diseases has resulted in the development of new phototherapeutic modalities such as long-wave UVA (UVA1), narrowband UVB, broadband UVB, EXCIMER 308nm and PhotoDynamic Therapy
Narrow band UVB is the gold standard for the treatment of skin conditions like Psoriasis, Eczema, Vitiligo, Mycosis fungoides etc.
TREATMENT PROTOCOLS:
PUVASOL and PUVA therapy: Topical or oral psoralen followed by sun-exposure or UVA phototherapy is used in conditions like Alopecia areata, Atopic Dermatitis, Vitiligo, Lichen Planus etc.
UV-B: 2types i.e, broadband (310-315nm) and narrowband (311nm) are used in vitiligo, psoriasis, Atopic Dermatitis etc.
COMBINATION: psoralen, UV-A and UV-B are used for vitiligo.
EXCIMER LIGHT AND LASER: Also called as targeted phototherapy. Uses 308nm for vitiligo and psoriasis.
PDT: is 2 staged process done to destroy the cancer cells.
Here at FMS SKIN AND HAIR, we use NB-UVB and UVA chamber which contain Philips TL-01 lamp with an emission spectrum between 311-312nm which gives increased therapeutic effect. Safer in vitiligo, psoriasis and other inflammatory conditions. Advantages of NBUVB is easier to use, cheap, safe and no GIT disturbance.
We also use Excimer Light device with 308nm to deliver high energy at the discrete affected areas like scalp, nose, ear etc..