Phototherapy/Psoriasis Treatment

Phototherapy is the use of ultraviolet light to treat several skin ailments. The skin is exposed to an ultraviolet (UV) light for a set amount of time. The initial exposure is at a level known as the MED or minimum erythema dose which is the dose just below which skin redness would occur. The dose (exposure time) is gradually increased as the skin becomes accustomed to the UVB.

Ultraviolet radiation suppresses the skin immune system and thus is useful for treating conditions in which there are particular types of inflammation. Conditions treated with phototherapy include:

• Psoriasis �� a skin disorder that causes red plaques with silvery scale
• Atopic Dermatitis �� eczema (itchy, red skin condition) or dermatitis due to allergies
• Vitiligo �� where normal pigment is lost due to the destruction of pigment-producing cells by the immune system
• Mycosis fungoides (cutaneous T-cell lymphoma) �� a type of lymphoma confined to the skin

At Sydney Skin we use the most recent development of Narrow Band Ultraviolet B Light or NUVB. This is considered the safest and most effective.