Phototherapy simply means treatment with light. The most common type of Phototherapy to treat skin conditions is Narrowband UVB. A special machine is used that emits UVB light at 311-312nm which is the most beneficial portion of natural sunlight to improve skin conditions. Importantly, it also avoids the UVA aspect of sunlight which is very damaging to skin and can accelerate aging and progression towards skin cancers.
Phototherapy appears to work in several ways:
- Suppresses the immune response at a local level (skin level)
- Slows down the reproduction of skin cells in psoriasis
- Reduces inflammation
- Enhances melanocyte production in vitiligo
- Reduces itch
Skin Flare Solutions offers bulk billing services for UVB treatment.