Treatments - General Dermatology
Puvatherapy - UVB
What is it?
What does it involve?
It is a method of phototherapy used to treat certain dermatological conditions It is the combination of taking a photosensitising drug (a psoralen) and exposure to ultraviolet light. This leads to a series of photochemical reactions with beneficial biological effects on the affected skin.
Approximately 2 hours after taking a Psoralen orally, the patient’s skin is exposed to artificial, highly targeted UVA radiation in specialised, ventilated booths.
This phototherapy can be total (the patient enters the cabin entirely) or localised (hands, feet, scalp, face).
The attack dose, the dose progression and the maximum UVA dose are fixed according to the patient’s phototype (i.e. according to his reactions to the sun, his burns, his tanning) and the pathology to be treated.
To be used for what type of pathology?
Numerous dermatoses can be treated with puvatherapy such as: psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, contact eczema, lichen planus, mycosis fungoides, parapsoriasis, polymorphous light eruption, benign summer light eruption, solar urticaria, vitiligo, alopecia, localised scleroderma, mastocytosis, pruritus, etc.
What is the difference between UVB and UVA?
UVA and UVB are both part of the sun’s radiation. UVB has a wavelength between 280 and 315 nm and UVA between 315 and 400 nm. UVA therefore penetrates the skin more deeply. “Sunburn” is caused 80% by UVB and 20% by UVA.
Unlike UVA phototherapy, with UVB the patient does not have to take any photosensitising medication before exposure. This is because UVB has sufficient energy to trigger a direct photochemical reaction.
Does it give good results?
Yes, very good results are obtained if the treatment is followed regularly and scrupulously.
How many sessions are needed ?
This varies according to the pathology and the individual. On average, however, a complete or almost complete cure is obtained after 15 to 20 UVA and UVB sessions. The sessions are usually done 3 times a week.
Does it hurt ? Side effects?
In principle, no. However, a few special precautions must be taken after puvatherapy:
- The skin can only be exposed to the sun for 8 hours after taking the drug (Psoralen), which requires protection with clothing and the use of an anti-UVA sun product.
- The eyes must also be protected by sunglasses for 12 hours after taking Psoralen (the day of treatment).
How much does it cost?
A range of estimates can be obtained during the consultation or from our secretariat.
Partial reimbursement authorized by the mutual in most diagnoses.
