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Ultraviolet light is a safe and successful treatment option
for many skin conditions including psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo, and many others.
We are pleased to offer both PUVA and narrow band ultraviolet B therapy in our
practice and our patients have enjoyed the excellent results that UV therapy can
offer. If you feel that you may be a candidate for therapy, please contact
us for an appiontment.
Below are the answers to
many frequently asked questions regarding ultraviolet light therapy. (Please read
our disclaimer before you continue) 1.
What is ultraviolet (UV) therapy?
2. What types of conditions
is UV therapy good for?
3. How does it work?
4.
What is a light treatment like?
5. How long do I need to
do UV therapy?
6. Are there any risks?
7.
Are there any precautions to take?
8. Does insurance cover
light treatments?
1.
What is ultraviolet (UV) light therapy?
Light is divided in to many
different categories based on its wavelength. Most of the light that reaches the
earth's surface is visible light or infrared light, but a small percentage consists
of ultraviolet light. This light is divided into ultraviolet A, B, and C. Ultraviolet
light has many effects on the skin, the most common being a sunburn and the formation
of pigment or a suntan. There are several other effects that this light has on
the skin, and during ultraviolet light therapy, we take advantage of some of the
effects in a controlled fashion to treat various skin diseases. UV therapy is
divided into UVB and PUVA. A special form of UVB has recently been introduced
called narrow band UVB. This method takes the most therapeutic wavelength from
the UVB spectrum and allows higher doses of the light with a lower risk of side
effects that result from broadband UVB. PUVA is UVA light combined with an agent
called psoralen that helps to make the skin more sensitive to the light. Psoralen
can be taken orally or used topically in a solution for soaking. This topical
form is particularly good for hands and feet.
Back
to the top 2. What
types of conditions is UV therapy good for?
UV therapy is good for
several conditions. The most commonly treated skin conditions treated with UV
therapy are psoriasis and eczema, but many others (including vitiligo, itch, polymorphous
light eruption, cutaneous lymphoma) can also gain benefit from the treatment.
Back to the top 3.
How does it work?
While the exact mechanism is not completely known,
many feel that the therapy works by locally decreasing the activity of the immune
system. The skin has a very active immune system and many of the diseases that
are successfully treated with UV light occur from an "over-active" local skin
immune system. By decreasing the activity of the immune cells and the chemicals
that they produce, UV light can significantly improve the skin.
Back
to the top 4. What
is a light treatment like?
Light treatments are usually given 2 -
3 times a week. Each treatment consists of updating your medical history and talking
about any side effects (redness, etc.) from the last treatment. Patients receiving
UVB (narrow band) will stand in a box that is lined with all UVB bulbs and spend
seconds (at first) to a few minutes being exposed to the light. During this time,
protective eyewear and protection of the genitals will take place. When the treatment
is complete, the patient will get dressed and be able to return to his/her daily
routine. Each visit will likely take less than 10-15 minutes Patients receiving
topical PUVA will, in addition to updating the chart, first soak in a solution
for their hands and/or feet for 15-20 minutes, after which time they will expose
their hands and/or feet to the UVA light. The exposure will start with just a
few seconds and gradually the time exposed will increased. Protective eyewear
will need to be worn during these treatments as well. Following the treatment,
the areas will be washed thoroughly.
Back to
the top 5. How long
do I need to do UV therapy?
Treatment times vary, but many patients
will start to see improvement in a few weeks. Psoriasis patients, for example,
may see improvement in as early as 6 - 8 sessions while vitiligo patients often
take several months to see significant improvement. After your skin condition
is improved (clearing phase) there will be a maintenance phase where the frequency
of your visits will decrease gradually.
Back
to the top 6. Are
there any risks?
Side effects of NBUVB therapy can include, but are
not limited to: Sunburn like reaction to the light The long term risks of NBUVB
are the same as the effects of chronic sun exposure The potential risk for skin
cancer is undetermined, but current studies show that it is relatively safe at
the low doses used in therapy Psoriasis can worsen before improving
Side
effects of PUVA therapy can include, but are not limited to: Sunburn like reaction
to the light, including blisters, which may not occur until 12-36 hours after
treatment Itching (occurs in 10% of patients) Pigmentation of the skin (patients
may have a moderate to deep suntan, which fades 6-8 weeks after cessation of therapy).
There is an increased risk for developing skin cancer with long-term use of PUVA.
Therefore, all patients on PUVA need regular skin examinations for early detection
of potential skin cancer Premature aging and freckling PUVA therapy is NOT advised
during pregnancy. Women are advised to practice birth control while undergoing
PUVA therapy
Back to the top 7.
Are there any precautions to take?
Eye protection MUST be worn
during treatment at all times Male genitals MUST be covered during light treatments
in the light booth (athletic supporters, underwear, or towels may be used for
coverage) Inform a doctor or staff of any medications being used or taken as some
of these can cause photosensitivity and update the doctor or staff of any medical
or medication changers at EACH visit. You should report any redness or burns following
a light treatment to one of the doctors Avoid sunbathing after treatment
Back to the top 8.
Does insurance cover light treatments?
While most insurance companies
cover ultraviolet light treatments, the patient will ultimately be responsible
for any payment not rendered by his or her insurance company
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