Phototherapy
The use of phototherapy in the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and vitiligo is a safe way to treat large body surface areas of involvement or smaller areas that have failed topical therapies. Many times phototherapy is combined with other topical and systemic medications. Phototherapy often induces remissions in disease lasting several months or even up to a year.
Studies have shown that ultraviolet light (UV) from the sun causes immune system cells in the skin to decrease their activity. This reduces the inflammation and slows overproduction of skin cells that cause scaling. As we all know, large amounts of ultraviolet light or sunlight can cause wrinkling, eye damage, and skin cancer. These risks can be minimized by the latest phototherapy technology. Light therapy is safe and effective under a doctor’s care. This involves carefully monitoring the dose and amount of time of each treatment. Detailed records are kept and frequently reviewed by the doctor during your treatment.
Our phototherapy unit or “light box” actually is three separate units. We have the traditional chamber which the patient steps into and receives therapy to the entire body. We also offer a hand/foot unit which treats only the necessary site on the hand or foot. On average, phototherapy requires visits to our office 2-3 times a week for a period of 3-4 months. Depending upon your response to treatment you may need a maintenance appointment every week or month, or you may achieve remission from your skin condition. There are several types of phototherapy with different regimens. When you come in for your appointment, the physician will examine you and determine if phototherapy is a good choice for you.
Pharos Excimer Laser Therapy
For more localized areas of involvement, the same wavelength of light in narrow-band UVB photothrapy can be applied with a laser handpiece. There are several advantages to this. The Pharos Laser uses a carefully focused beam of high-dose therapy to deliver the light energy. Because only diseased skin is treated, the risk of burning normal surrounding skin is reduced, and treatment energies can be much higher. This allows more aggressive treatment resulting in faster results with fewer treatments.