Phototherapy: What to expect.

Hello everyone! This article is dedicated to a mom who kindly send me a message asking about phototherapy in relation to her child's eczema. Light treatment has been used since ancient time in treating some skin condition, this has been documented in egyptian history. The common skin conditions that are treated with phototherapy includes psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo, PLE (polymorphic light eruption), urticaria and etc. There are two types of light that are being used, Narrowband UVB and PUVA. Narrowband light tends to penetrate on the epidermis of the skin while Psoralen UVA tends to penetrate differ into the dermis by using psoralen. Psoralen can be given by tablets, bathsoaks and gel.

Your health practitioner usually will decide what is the best light treatment for your skin condition. In the UK, some phototherapy department use MED (Minimal erythema dose) for narrow band and MPD (Minimal phototoxic dose) for PUVA. What they do, is to use an equipment to test the amount of light that is safe to use on the small portion of your skin. Once that is determine, they can safely administer the first dose and also gives them the basis of incremental dose for the next appointment. Now, not all phototherapy department have these facilities. The next option is to base the dose on patient's skin type. The health practitioner will base it on your skin color and your skin response to sunlight whether it burns or tan.

Before starting the treatment your phototherapist (usually nurses) will counsel you about phototherapy. They will explain to you about the use of goggles to protect your eyes while inside the photo cabinet or if your eyelids need to be treated then your eyes need to be closed. For PUVA patient taking oral psoralen, the need to use dark glasses up to 12 hours after treatment including inside your house. Since psoralen can make your skin sensitive to light, it does affect your eyes as well. This prevents cataract as potential side effects of exposing to light.

The male individual needs to protect their private parts from light, the areas are prone to skin cancer. They can wear dark colored socks (to cover the area), underwear, or jock strap. The need to apply moisturiser at least an hour before treatment and just right after phototherapy is essential. Light treatment can make your skin drier and can cause erythema, moisturisers alleviates it. You have to inform the phototherapist if you are taking any medicines or any new medication being prescribed for you or bought any over the counter. Some medicine can make you sensitive to light, this may cause burning or blisters if not noted.

Avoid using perfume, deodorant or any scented oils on your skin before your light treatment, this chemical may interact with light causing burning on your skin. Use same hair style for the whole therapy so as not to treat the unexposed area and never cut your hair too short while having phototherapy. The unexposed areas will be exposed causing burning or erythema on the areas. Attend your appointment regularly to maximise the benefits of light treatment. Remember not to touch any plants/flowers, do gardening, eat celery, figs, parsnip,limes at least 2 hours before your phototherapy. These can contain photosensitisers that can make your skin sensitive to light thus causing burning or erythema. Never to drink alcohol before your light treatment.

The light therapy can tan your skin, some individual may find it satisfactory for them. In relation to eczema, the light treatment have immuno-suppressive action thus reducing redness and itching. Your health practitioner is the best person to ask with regards to your treatment. This blog is to augment the information given and does not replace the proper consultation with them.