If you’ve been recently diagnosed with a chronic skin issue or suffered for a long time from Vitiligo (loss of pigmentation on patches of your skin) as well as eczema, psoriasis, or and eczema, you might have been informed about the benefits of light therapy. If you’ve been advised to use light therapy, also known as phototherapy by a dermatologist, you might be asking questions.
How does phototherapy work? What are the benefits? What is the duration of treatment? require? How long will the results last? Are they completely safe? Are there any adverse consequences?
Phototherapy is a form of treatment that uses ultraviolet light to treat skin conditions. Phototherapy can reduce the appearance of psoriasis and eczema symptoms. The specialists from Harpeth Valley Dermatology make an appearance with the solutions to your most significant inquiries in regards to phototherapy.
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What is Phototherapy?
Phototherapy is the specialized application of ultraviolet (ultraviolet) radiation (primarily UVB) for its healing properties to treat skin problems. Under medical supervision and with a responsible approach phototherapy makes use of light that is naturally present in sunlight to reduce the growth of cells on the skin and reduce inflammation without the need for creams, steroids or other treatments that could result in widespread immune suppression. Instead the UV light inhibits an active immune response that manifests as eczema or psoriasis yet permitting the body’s immune system to keep an optimal immune response to various conditions.
How Can it Help?
Light therapy is a great way to treat issues like eczema or psoriasis by diminution inflammation and slowing cell expansion. This gives the area affected to heal. It also helps reduce the itching symptoms. If you’re suffering from vitiligo the treatment may trigger melanocytes, the cells that create your pigment.
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What amount of time Do Medicines Require? How Long Do Results Endure?
Each phototherapy session takes about 15-30 minutes. However, consistency is essential element of phototherapy. treatments can take months or weeks. In most cases therapy sessions are scheduled at least three times per week in some cases, while others require additional visits to the clinic to receive treatment. A lot of patients with eczema experience an improvement of their symptoms in just two weeks. However, the greatest relief for both eczema as well as psoriasis sufferers could be months long, with a typical of 15-20 sessions. Although the results can’t be taken as permanent, when the remission or clarity has been reached, the treatments are less frequent.
Is Phototherapy Safe? Are there side effects?
Phototherapy has been in use for centuries, however the first modern-day phototherapy technique was developed around 1890 through Nobel Prize winner Niels Finsen. A narrow band UVB therapy, which is the most popular type is widely believed as secure and risk-free. The side effects could include:
- Burning or mild stinging
- A reaction akin to Sunburn
- Itching
- Premature skin aging (uncommon)
- Greater risk of skin cancer (rare)
Many patients find that the lower chance of adverse effects and the possibility of relief with no steroids makes phototherapy an ideal alternative. Contact one of the dermatologists with experience of Harpeth Valley Dermatology and discover whether phototherapy is an option that is suitable for you.
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