Overview
What is phototherapy?
There are two types of phototherapy available in Bon Secours Health System- UVB and PUVA. UV stands for ultraviolet - UVB and PUVA are different parts of ultraviolet light which is in normal sunlight.
UVB/TL-O1 is a form of ultraviolet (UVB) light therapy with a narrow and precise band of wavelength. This has been demonstrated to be beneficial for the treatment of a variety of skin conditions. PUVA is also a form of ultraviolet light but is used in conjunction with a chemical substance called Psoralen. It is used in the treatment of hand and foot skin conditions at Bon Secours Health System.
What does it involve, and how often do I attend?
Treatment involves exposing the affected skin areas being exposed to UV. For UVB treatment is three times a week, on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, for 6 – 8 weeks. Each UVB treatment takes fifteen minutes.
PUVA treatment is twice a week, Monday and Thursday or Tuesday and Friday, for 9 – 12 weeks. Each PUVA treatment takes over one hour as both hands and feet must be soaked in psoralens beforehand. Most dermatologists stop UV treatment when the psoriasis has cleared or improved significantly.
Patients attending for phototherapy must be referred by their consultant dermatologist, who will prescribe their appropriate treatment.
What will I achieve?
Following 18-24 sessions of the treatment, it is hoped there will be a marked improvement in your skin condition.
What will happen at my first appointment?
UVB
On your first appointment, the UV treatment will be explained to you, and any lifestyle risk factors will be discussed. You will be skin tested on your first day so that an accurate starting dose can be decided and treatment can commence the next day.
PUVA
On your first appointment, the UV treatment will be explained to you, and any lifestyle risk factors will be discussed. You will start your treatment immediately on your first day.
What will happen when the programme finishes?
You will be reviewed by your consultant at approximately treatment 16. Once finished treatment a discharge summary will be sent to your consultant. This will document the total amount of treatment received and your treatment outcome.