PHOTOTHERAPY FOR VITILIGO, PSORIASIS

WHAT IS PHOTOTHERAPY?

Phototherapy, or light therapy, exposes the skin to specific wavelengths of light for a set duration. Historically, natural sunlight's UV radiation has treated skin disorders. Phototherapy utilizes UV-A and UV-B wavelengths. It complements topical treatments and can target specific areas or the entire body for comprehensive skin therapy.

Common Skin Diseases in which phototherapy is useful

• Psoriasis: A skin condition treated with phototherapy, targeting affected areas for symptom relief.
• Vitiligo or leukoderma: Light therapy aids in repigmenting skin affected by these conditions.
• Eczema: Phototherapy alleviates redness and itching, especially in severe or stubborn cases.
• Lichen planus: Comprehensive light therapy addresses extensive manifestations of this condition.
• Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma: Targeted phototherapy helps manage this type of lymphoma affecting the skin.
• Itchy skin: Light therapy offers relief for pruritus, soothing discomfort and improving skin health.

What are the various modalities of light used in Phototherapy to treat skin conditions?

Phototherapy is integral to treating various skin conditions, providing the following benefits:

• Reduces cell turnover, aiding in condition management.
• Alleviates itching and inflammation symptoms effectively.
• Boosts Vitamin D synthesis, vital for skin health.
• Enhances the body's immune response, aiding in infection prevention.

What are the types of phototherapy?

There are two main types of phototherapy:

UVB Phototherapy

UVB phototherapy is a dermatological treatment that uses ultraviolet B (UVB) light to manage various skin conditions. It's available in two forms: broadband UVB, which covers the full UVB spectrum, and narrowband UVB, which targets specific UVB wavelengths. Narrowband UVB is often preferred for its effectiveness and safety profile, especially in treating conditions like psoriasis and vitiligo. This therapy helps reduce cell turnover, relieves itching and inflammation, boosts Vitamin D production, and supports the body's immune response against infections.

Psoralen + UVA (PUVA)

PUVA therapy combines UVA therapy with the medication psoralen, either taken orally or applied topically. Psoralen enhances skin sensitivity to UVA light or sunlight, making it beneficial for treating conditions like Vitiligo, Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma, and Psoriasis.

What are precautions before starting phototherapy?

Before starting phototherapy, take these precautions:

• Inform your doctor about pregnancy, breastfeeding, family history of skin cancers, and photosensitive disorders.
• Be prepared to attend sessions twice or thrice weekly.
• Always use goggles before each session.
• Avoid using unnecessary skin products before the session.
• Understand the treatment session and how to stand in the chamber from clinic staff.
• Ensure you can stand with closed eyes for 10-15 minutes without support in a closed chamber.

What may happen after phototherapy?

After phototherapy, you may experience:

• Temporary redness lasting a few hours after a few sessions.
• Dryness of the skin, requiring daily moisturizing post-treatment.
• Itching and a burning sensation after several sessions, which are normal effects used to adjust the therapy's dosage.
• Improvement may be visible after 12-24 sessions, and treatment duration can be long-term.

What are the risks associated with photo therapy?

The potential risks of phototherapy include:

• Dry skin, itching, or headaches.
• Sunburns or blisters.
• Photoaging, leading to premature aging of the skin.
• Increased risk of developing skin cancer.