Dermatology Associates of Bryn Mawr Medical Specialists are one of only two Phototherapy centers in the Philadelphia area. To see if this specialized treatment might work for you, please call and make an appointment to see one of our physicians at 610-642-1090.
UVB Full Body Skin Phototherapy Lightbox
Present in natural sunlight, ultraviolet light B (UVB) is an effective treatment for psoriasis. UVB penetrates the skin and slows the abnormally rapid growth of skin cells associated with psoriasis. UVB treatment involves exposing the skin to an artificial UVB light source for a set length of time on a regular schedule, either under a doctor’s direction in a medical setting or with a home unit purchased with a doctor’s prescription. There are two types of UVB treatment, broad band and narrow band. Broad-band UVB is primarily featured in this section because it is more commonly used in the United States; however, narrow-band UVB is similar in many ways and is becoming more widely used. The major difference between broad-band and narrow-band UVB is that narrow-band UVB units emit a more specific range of UV wavelengths.
Several studies indicate that narrow-band UVB clears psoriasis faster and produces longer remissions than broad-band UVB. Narrow-band UVB may be effective with fewer treatments per week than broad-band UVB.
For more information about Psoriasis: http://www.psoriasis.org/home/
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic disease of the immune system that appears on the skin, usually in the form of thick, red, scaly patches. Up to 30 percent of people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis. Psoriasis is associated with other serious conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and obesity. According to the National Institutes of Health, as many as 7.5 million Americans have psoriasis. For more information: http://www.psoriasis.org/home/
Our practice has several treatments for Psoriasis including the XTRAC Laser and Lightbox. Treatment information: http://www.photomedex.com/product.php?pid=64
Vitiligo
If you suffer from vitiligo, you know the frustrations – white spots that cause uneven skin color and, until now, no effect treatment. Finally you may be able to enjoy effective relief from the unsightly symptoms of vitiligo. With the revolutionary XTRAC® excimer laser system, you can feel good about yourself again. With treatment sessions, which can last just a few minutes, the XTRAC can change your life. The XTRAC is the first excimer laser system FDA-market cleared to treat vitiligo. The XTRAC laser utilizes UVB light to potentially stimulate melanocytes that may be present deep in the skin. UVB light is known to stimulate melanocytes.
For more information: http://www.psoriasis.org/home/
Before and After Photos: http://www.photomedex.com/images/VitiligoFace2.jpg