Healthcare professionals who are giving phototherapy are trained and competent in its use. All phototherapy equipment is safety-checked and maintained in line with local and national policy.
Patients with psoriasis and other light responsive conditions are treated with a variety of techniques in a manner which allows them to lead normal lives.
Many common dermatologic diseases are thought to be caused by a dysregulation of the skin’s immune system. These disorders often improve upon exposure to natural sunlight, and in recent years physicians have discovered that ultraviolet light is the source of the sun’s therapeutic effects. Ultraviolet light appears to block the aberrant immune mechanisms present in patients with particular cutaneous diseases, inducing a temporary or permanent partial or complete remission of symptoms.
Ultraviolet radiation from artificial light sources has been used by dermatologists for almost 100 years and is a widely used and effective treatment for a number of skin disorders. Choice of UVB over other forms of light treatment depends on a wide range of factors including age, disease, skin type, previous therapy, current medication etc.
Phototherapy is useful in the treatment of psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, vitiligo, pityriasis rosea, lichen planus, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), and intractable itching. Exposure is directed towards the involved area of skin and can include total body, hand and foot or other specialized modalities.
Phototherapy is the use of light to treat skin disorders. The phototherapy unit emits specific wavelengths of light proven to benefit patients with various skin disorders.
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