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Phototherapy Patient Information
Skin Conditions and Phototherapy
Phototherapy may be approved to treat your skin condition
In addition to psoriasis and vitiligo light therapy may be helpful for nearly 25 skin conditions including:
- Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
- Pruritus
- CTCL
- Lichen Planus
Eczema / Atopic Dermatitis
Eczema is characterized by itchy patches of dry, red skin which sometimes appear scaly or crusty. Irritating, uncomfortable, and stress-inducing, it is sometimes referred to as "the itch that rashes". People with eczema have an overactive inflammatory response to irritating substances. This may be an allergic response or coexist with other allergies.
Since Phototherapy affects the immune system, uvb light can prevent the exaggerated immune response that causes the inflammation. UVB light can provide:
- Significantly improve, and even clear, atopic dermatitis
- Help prevent bacterial infections which arise from eczema
- Reduce or eliminate the need for topical corticosteroids
CTCL
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a slowly advancing disease that initially presents in the skin and may later progress to involve the lymph nodes and viscera. Since CTCL most often presents on non-sunlight-exposed regions of the body, both protective and immunoregulatory roles for UVB Phototherapy have been found.
Lichen Planus
On the skin, lichen planus usually appears as purplish, often itchy, flat-topped bumps. When mucous membranes are affected — such as tissues inside the mouth or vagina — lichen planus appears as lacy white patches or sores that can be painful. Lichen planus affecting the skin may last from a few months to several years. It usually clears up on its own, but treatment may be necessary to suppress itching and promote healing of the skin. Since the disorder occurs when the immune system mounts an attack against cells of the skin or mucous membranes. ultraviolet B (UVB) light can be very effective.
Phototherapy with UVA-1 wavelength lights are approved for treatment of morphea, scleroderma, lupus (SLE) and graft vs host disease, but therapy is done in physician's offices.
Vitiligo - light therapy
Vitiligo is characterized by loss of pigment in patches of the body. Vilitlight light therapy can help create repigmentation and is currently considered the "gold standard" treatment when vitiligo covers 20% or more of the body. learn more
Contact us to discuss a home Phototherapy unit today.
Covered by most insurance carriers. Federal law restricts the sale of this device by or on the order of a physician. We are the only company certified to ship phototherapy units to Canada.
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