Lexicon

Phototherapy - Phototherapy is a treatment that involves brief exposures to ultraviolet light -- ultraviolet A (UVA) or ultraviolet B (UVB).

Ultraviolet A (UVA) - It refers to wavelengths of Ultraviolet light between 315nm (nanometres) and 400nm. It creates fast tanning of the skin by causing the skin to oxidise any melanin (a pigment) that was already present in the body.

Ultraviolet B (UVB) - This is the area of greatest interest for most of our customers. It refers to wavelengths of light between 280nm and 315nm, and therefore also sometimes called medium wave ultraviolet light. It is these wavelengths that have been proven as effective for the treatment of skin disorders such as psoriasis, vitiligo and atopic dermatitis (eczema).

Ultraviolet C (UVC) - This is the wavelength of light between 100nm (nanometres) and 280nm. It is used mainly for sterilization in laboratories and medical facilities.

UVB Broadband - Historically in the early days of UVB treatment the bulbs used emitted the full wavelengths between 280nm and 315nm and these tubes are still called "broadband" UVB tubes. These wavelengths include those proven to be therapeutic but also the shorter wavelengths that cause reddening (erythema) and even burning of the skin. These undesirable wavelengths, (those below 305nm), that cause the erythema increase the risk of skin cancer, cause discomfort and of course limit the amount of treatment that is possible.

UVB Narrowband - Narrowband UVB is the most common form of phototherapy used to treat skin diseases. "Narrowband" refers to a specific wavelength of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, 311 to 312 nm. UVB phototherapy was formerly provided as a broadband source (290 to 320 nm).

PUVA (Psoralen + UVA) - UVA radiation is combined with a sensitiser (a chemical that increases the effect of UVA on the skin) called a psoralen. PUVA is used to treat psoriasis, vitiligo, cutaneus T-cell lymphoma.

Psoriasis - Psoriasis is a common, chronic, genetic, systemic inflammatory disease that is characterized by symptoms and signs such as elevated itchy plaques of raised red skin covered with thick silvery scales.

Vitiligo - Vitiligo is a disease that causes the loss of skin color in blotches. The extent and rate of color loss from vitiligo is unpredictable. It can affect the skin on any part of your body. It may also affect hair and the inside of the mouth.

Eczema / Atopic dermatitis - Eczema is a condition where patches of skin become inflamed, itchy, red, cracked, and rough. Blisters may sometimes occur. The word "eczema" is also used specifically to talk about atopic dermatitis, the most common type of eczema.

Allergic contact dermatitis - This is a skin reaction following contact with a substance or allergen that the immune system recognizes as foreign.

Dyshidrotic eczema - This is an irritation of the skin on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. It is characterized by blisters.

Neurodermatitis - This forms scaly patches of skin on the head, forearms, wrists, and lower legs. It is caused by a localized itch, such as an insect bite.

Nummular eczema - These show as circular patches of irritated skin that can be crusted, scaly, and itchy.

Stasis dermatitis - This is a skin irritation of the lower leg usually related to circulatory problems.