Phototherapy
TREATS:
Rashes, psoriasis, eczema, itch and vitiligo.
SIDE EFFECTS:
Short term - Potential for sunburn, itchiness, pigmentation/tanning, folliculitis, cold sores. Long term - cataracts, freckling of the skin, photo-ageing of the skin.
LOCATION:
Anywhere on the face or body.
FOLLOW UP:
May require more than one treatment session to achieve full results.
HOW IT IS PERFORMED:
Patients stand in a phototherapy machine. Your initial treatment is nurse supervised. Doses are automatically increased and adjusted according to your treatment plan.
PREPARATION:
Avoid creams/treatments immediately prior to the UV treatment. Advise staff if new tablet medication is being taken.
PROCEDURE TYPE:
Most patients are prescribed 3 treatments per week for several weeks or months. Treatments cannot be given closer than 24 hours apart.
EXPECTED OUTCOME:
Reduction of rash or itch.
ONSET:
This treatment is not a cure but can effectively control or clear the disease to the extent that clearance may be maintained with cream medications at home or no active treatment at all. The remission length varies between patients; some need to return within a few months while others not for a year or more.
Phototherapy Services in Northern Suburbs Melbourne
About UV Treatment
Phototherapy is the use of ultraviolet (UV) light in treating medical conditions. It is a highly effective treatment for many skin problems which often results in clearance of the rash for months or even years.
Narrow band Ultraviolet B light (NBUVB) is a narrow wavelength of ultraviolet radiation that is a highly effective and safe treatment for various skin conditions, such as psoriasis, eczema and vitiligo. This treatment is not a cure but can effectively control or clear the disease to the extent that clearance may be maintained with cream medications at home or no active treatment at all. The remission length varies between patients; some need to return within a few months while others not for a year or more.
Treatments
Your initial treatment is nurse supervised, with the first treatment generally taking only a few seconds. The dose is automatically increased each time although it never takes more than a few minutes.
For best results, try to attend regularly. The dose will automatically decrease if you miss several appointments which makes the treatment less effective.
Most patients are prescribed 2-5 treatments per week for several weeks. Treatments cannot be given closer than 24 hours apart. The number of treatments per week may reduce as your condition improves.
Bookings are generally made one week in advance. Please inform our staff in advance if you cannot attend.
Phototherapy Locations
Preston Dermatology & Specialist Centre
353 Plenty Road, Preston 3072.
Ph: (03) 8657 4333
Reservoir Private Hospital
73-75 Pine Street Reservoir 3073.
Ph: (03) 8657 4333
Vital Medical Centre Epping
Shop 12, 355-371 Dalton Road
Epping 3076
Bookings via HotDoc.
Make a Booking
Book your phototherapy appointments via HotDoc or call our friendly team if it is your first appointment.
