TLO1 LIGHT THERAPY
TLO1 Light Therapy
Patient Information
UVB Phototherapy
Please read all of the following information carefully, and follow the safety guidelines, before starting your treatment.
What is UVB Phototherapy?
Narrow Band UVB Phototherapy is a form of ultraviolet therapy, which has been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of a variety of skin conditions.
Using fluorescent lamps, in a therapy cabinet, it gives a very narrow and precise band of light wavelengths.
Unlike traditional and older UVB phototherapy, it largely excludes the shorter wavelengths of ultraviolet, which are unhelpful for treating skin conditions and more likely to cause burning of the skin.
This form of light treatment can be safely used during pregnancy.
What happens during treatment\?
Narrow Band UVB treatment times are short, ranging from a few seconds to around five minutes. The treatment involves phototherapy sessions three times a week. There must be at least 24 hours in between sessions. For this treatment to be successful, it is important that you attend all sessions.
What are the safety precautions I need to take?
The following guidelines are for your comfort and safety:
- Eye protection
The eye goggles provided must be worn when receiving treatment within the cabinet. The nurse is required to visibly check, at every treatment, that you are wearing your eye goggles once you are in the cabinet.
- Skin Care
If, at any point during your course of treatment, you need to take any tablets or medicines, please tell the phototherapy nurse immediately. Commonly prescribed tablets, such as antibiotics, can make the skin more sensitive to light, which could result in a burn-like reaction if treatment is not adjusted.
For the treatment to be most effective please ensure that you continue to use prescribed topical treatments, as many are found to be more effective when used together with ultraviolet light.
Psoriasis plaques must not be allowed to cover over with white scale, as this will reflect the UV light and reduce the effectiveness of treatment. Frequent use of moisturisers will prevent this.
UVB Phototherapy treatment will have a drying effect on the skin, so you should use moisturisers at least twice each day. This is particularly important for patients who are receiving treatment for eczema.
Avoid wearing any perfumes, deodorants or cosmetics during treatment in the cabinet, as this could cause localised areas of burning.
No jewellery should be worn while receiving treatment within the cabinet.
Long hair must be worn up when having treatment.
Short hair, beards, moustaches etc. should NOT be cut during the course of treatments, as this will cause localised areas of burning to newly-exposed skin. It may be advisable to have your hair cut/trimmed before the start of your treatment course.
Male patients must shield their genitalia while in the cabinet by wearing a sock. Clothing material should be of a dark colour and tight weave.
- Sun Exposure
During the course of your treatment, including days that you do not have UVB phototherapy, you:
- Must not expose yourself to any other forms of natural/artificial ultraviolet light.
- Are required to wear suitable clothing ie. long sleeved tops, long trousers, fully enclosed shoes etc. to minimise sun exposure. This applies on cloudy/overcast days.
Failure to follow the above guidelines will disrupt your treatment and could increase the risk of having an adverse reaction. These guidelines are for your own comfort and safety.
Are there any side effects of UVB therapy?
- Redness
Redness and burning (occasionally blistering) of the skin may occur despite our best efforts to avoid this side effect. The treatment procedure is aimed to minimise the chance of producing a sunburn-like reaction and to maximise the chance of a good response to treatment.
- Sunburn-like Reaction
If you do develop a sunburn-like reaction, and the skin becomes tender and uncomfortable, you should take your normal pain relief and treat the burn area frequently with a moisturiser.
The application of a moderately potent steroid such as Eumovate available over the counter is also recommended. This should be applied to the area twice daily.
UVB induced burns reach their maximum intensity at 24-36 hours and will then start to fade.
You must tell our staff if you have any burn like reactions. Please leave a message on 01277 636 186 and a member of staff will contact you as soon as possible.
- Skin Cancer
Prolonged and repeated courses of Narrow Band UVB Phototherapy may lead to an increased risk of developing skin cancer. This risk is initially very small but gradually increases after about 300 treatments.
- Premature Ageing of the skin
The risk of premature ageing of the skin with Narrow Band UVB Phototherapy is initially very small, but increases with a larger number of treatments.
- Cold Sores
If you have a history of cold sores, then you will be prone to developing an outbreak during the course of your treatment. To reduce the chance of this happening, please cover your lips with sun block from your first treatment onwards.
DR S M KHORSHID
Sunnex Dermatology Limited