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Phototherapy


Why is this procedure done?


Phototherapy is a procedure done by exposing your skin to ultraviolet (UV) light. This treatment works for some skin conditions. UV lights are rays of light from the sun that are not seen by the naked eye. There are 2 kinds of UV light, type A and type B. These are often called UVA and UVB. They are both present in natural sunlight. ‚  
With phototherapy, the light goes through the skin. Then it slows the growth of the cells that are growing too fast. Your doctor may order this treatment if you have a skin condition where you have: ‚  
  • Red scaly areas on your skin. This is psoriasis.
  • Itchy, red skin. This is atopic dermatitis.
  • A kind of skin cancer with itchy, red wounds. This is mycosis fungoides.
  • Places on your skin where all the color is gone. This is vitiligo.

There are different types of phototherapy, such as: ‚  
  • Broad band UVB ¢ ˆ ’ A light used on smooth areas and not in areas with skin folds. It needs 3 to 5 treatments each week.
  • Narrow band UVB ¢ ˆ ’ A light that can be used in areas with skin folds.
    • Using UVB treatment may cause the condition to get worse for a short time before it gets better. UVB treatment used with drugs may get better results.
    • This treatment is most often done 2 to 3 times each week.
  • PUVA ¢ ˆ ’ This treatment is done by taking or using a drug called psoralen, then exposing the affected areas to UVA.
  • Lasers ¢ ˆ ’ Two different types can be used to directly apply a laser to specific areas of the skin.

What will the results be?


It will improve the illness and improve the condition of your skin. ‚  

What happens before the procedure?


  • Your doctor will take your history and do an exam and other tests.
  • Talk to your doctor about all the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
  • Remove any clothes covering the areas that need treatment.
  • Apply sunscreen with a SPF 50 or more to areas not involved.
  • Wear special glasses or goggles to protect your eyes from UV light.
  • Cover your genitals with protective clothing, especially if you are male.
  • Females must apply sunscreen with a SPF 50 or more to their nipples and areola.

What happens during the procedure?


  • For broadband UVB, narrow band UVB, and PUVA, your doctor will ask you to stand in a treatment unit called a light box. In some cases, your doctor may use smaller units to treat smaller areas.
  • For laser treatment, your doctor will directly focus a beam of laser on the affected areas.
  • The procedure lasts for 5 minutes or less.

What happens after the procedure?


  • You can go home after the treatment.
  • You may have a warm feeling on your skin.

What care is needed at home?


  • Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
  • Avoid sun exposure while you are receiving the treatment.
  • Use sunscreen with a SPF 50 or more. Also wear clothing and eyewear that protects you from the sun.
  • Wear a wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella when you go out.
  • Talk with your doctor about the best lotion for your skin. This may help with itching. Taking an oatmeal bath may also help.

What follow-up care is needed?


Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. During your follow-up visits, your doctor may tell you if more treatment is needed. ‚  

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to help with itching. This may be lotions, creams, or pills. ‚  

What problems could happen?


  • Itchiness
  • Redness of the skin
  • Upset stomach

Where can I learn more?


American Academy of Dermatology ‚  
http://www.aad.org/stories-and-news/news-releases/new-surgical-techniques-hold-promise-for-treating-vitiligo ‚  
http://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/diseases-and-treatments/u---w/vitiligo/diagnosis-treatment ‚  
http://www.aad.org/media-resources/stats-and-facts/conditions/psoriasis ‚  
Eczemanet ‚  
http://www.skincarephysicians.com/eczemanet/phototherapy.html ‚  
National Psoriasis Foundation ‚  
http://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/treatments/phototherapy ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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