Phototherapy in layman terms means treatment with
light. It is a type of treatment that has been used for many years to treat
chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and vitiligo. Narrowband UVB (311-312 nm) light is the most common type
of phototherapy. This wavelength of
light is the most beneficial portion of natural sunlight. You might be thinking, why not just go into
direct sunlight? The problem with going
out into direct sunlight is that even though you will be getting UVB light, you
will also be getting UVA rays that cause skin cancers and aging of the
skin. Phototherapy works to decrease
itching that is common in psoriasis and eczema patients. It also helps decrease inflammation and
increases the body’s natural Vitamin D production. In vitiligo patients, phototherapy helps to
stimulate melanocytes. Treatments are
generally done two to three times a week until you reach a maintenance dosage. These treatments are safe for children and
pregnant women. Topical prescription medications can also be used while doing
these treatments.
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