PHOTOTHERAPY

NBUVB (Narrow band UVB) light therapy can be used to treat a number of skin conditions, including psoriasis, vitiligo, severe eczema, CTCL (Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma) and chronic pruritic (itchy) skin disorders. The most common skin condition treated with light therapy is psoriasis. 

Phototherapy is a time-proven, safe method for treatment of psoriasis. If your psoriasis is not responding to topical medications, or your lesions are too big to treat with medicated creams, you may be a candidate for phototherapy.

Our phototherapy unit is a certified medical grade NBUVB unit with 48 bulbs manufactured by National Biologics. It can treat the entire body at once. It also has a cooling fan to provide extra comfort during your treatment.

Phototherapy can give you the relief you’re looking for.

This treatment requires a referral letter from your personal dermatologist. After you have been successfully treated, you will be referred back to your own medical dermatologist for ongoing care. Treatments are covered under OHIP.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that occurs when cells on the outer layer of skin reproduce faster than normal and pile up on the skin’s surface. It most commonly appears as patches of scaly, raised, reddish skin, which tend to form on the elbows, knees, lower back and scalp, but can occur anywhere on the body. The skin often itches, and it may crack and bleed. In severe cases, the itching and discomfort may keep a person awake at night, and the pain can make everyday tasks difficult.

There is no cure for psoriasis. Although phototherapy is an effective therapy, patients must undergo continuing treatments, and may experience remissions and flare-ups for the rest of their lives.

Several times a week for several weeks, we administer increasing increments of ultraviolet light (UVB) into your skin in a precise, computer-controlled fashion. As ultraviolet light rays penetrate your skin, they produce changes which slow down the rapid growth of epidermal skin cells. Affected areas become flatter and less scaly, and with ongoing treatment, remission may be achieved. During a treatment, you will wear protective eye goggles 

When your lesions disappear, we will stop treatments. Should they reappear, let us know, and we will resume. We recommend regular maintenance treatments to keep your skin clear and healthy; Dr. Nield will offer you a schedule of maintenance sessions that will keep your psoriasis in remission for as long as possible.

We’re happy to answer any questions or provide you with additional detail. Please download our consent form here: