Eczema UV Phototherapy

Eczema UV Phototherapy (Ultraviolet Radiation Therapy), Research on this has shown positive results for those who experience eczema (in general atopic dermatitis). In order to treat seborrhoeic eczema and psoriasis, Phototherapy has also been used. Eczema UV Phototherapy is not only the treatment option for the patients those exposed to the UV Phototherapy for a prearranged length of time.

For the children those who have sun-induced reaction or those whose eczema gets poorer when it is exposed to a substantial amount of the sun’s rays, then they are generally not administered it. When phototherapy is put into play, it is usually only one part of the overall therapy. Topical medications and lifestyle adjustments (such as diet, exercise, less contact with irritants, etc.) are the other aspects of the Eczema UV phototherapy.

Types of Phototherapy

There are two types of phototherapy that are used. These comprise Eczema UV light therapy and psoralen plus UVA exposure (also known as chemophototherapy or PUVA). UV light therapy can be used by itself or with a topical substance, usually coal tar. In this case ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) are used or a combination of UVA and UVB is taken advantage of.

During the time of light therapy which generally takes place at a doctor or dermatologist’s office, Protective goggles must be worn. The eczema skin of the patient is exposed to the ultraviolet light under a controlled set of circumstances. The doctor carefully monitors the entire procedure.

Eczema UV Phtotherpay: Broadband and Narrowband

Broadband and narrowband are the descendants of UVB phototherapy. Lasting for over a period of eighty years, Broadband is the oldest therapy of the two. Though, broadband is very time consuming, it has a high success rate. For three to five times a week the eczema patient must go for treatments. Another major shortcoming is that the light of broadband is not able to reach either any skin folds on the body or the scalp.

In order to conduct two to three treatments per week, Narrowband, a newer more modern form of therapy is used. The name “narrowband” is due to the narrower UVB wavelengths it gives off. So far narrowband is showing to have an even higher success rate than broadband. Unfortunately, narrowband can reason burns on the skin, if not done properly or if left on the skin too long. In the future, it is not known yet if either of these light therapies could contribute to a greater likelihood of developing skin cancer.

Psoralen for Psoralen plus UVA

PUVA demands a substance known as psoralen that an eczema sufferer consume, bathe in or have topically applied to the skin. Prior to the skin is exposed to the rays of UVA, Psoralen must be administered. Psoralen prepares the skin for the rays and makes it more compliant and sensitive to the correct response. For the remainder of the day, after each individual treatment a patient is required to wear sunglasses that block UVA rays.

The reason for this is that psoralen resides in the eyes for a few hours afterwards. Unfortunately PUVA has a number of adverse side effects including the potential for fatigue, headaches, nausea, itching, and the chance that skin could get burnt and also skin pigmentation can become irregular. For the patients whom doctors are convinced it will successful on for those patiently only POUVA is used. When done in combination with topical preparations such as corticosteroids PUVA therapy generally takes up to a period of six months and often works at its maximum best.