UV phototherapy light technical information

Phototherapy is the process of treating the human body with various wavelengths of light such as laser, ultra violet or infra red. Different wavelengths and intensities offer medically proven treatment for chronic skin conditions.

Dermalight products solve the problems of over-exposure to ultraviolet light by maximizing the delivery of narrow-band UVB radiation (in the 311-312nm range, the most beneficial component of natural sunlight) while minimizing exposure to superfluous UV. This allows patients to receive phototherapy treatments with less risk of severe burning or pathogenic exposure to more harmful wide band radiation ranges. UVB narrow-band also avoids the adverse side effects of the psoralen drugs used in conventional PUVA therapy, since UVB treatment requires no supplemental drugs.) These therapeutic benefits have made the Dermalight products the fastest-selling phototherapy units in Australia, the UK, Europe and now America. UVB treatment is around 83% successful and narrow band UVB treatment is around 90% successful, or 95% when used in conjunction with a coal tar product. We suggest that you personally ascertain if you respond to UV treatment via consultation with your doctor, modest exposure to the sun or have already undertaken a successful course of UV treatment.

Clinical studies show the peak therapeutic effectiveness of UVB to be within the 295-313nm range but wavelengths below 300nm are more likely to cause erythema or severe burning and increase the risk of skin cancer. Narrow band UVB is in the 311-312nm range, and therefore does not emit the more dangerous wide spectrum that includes wavelengths of 280-300nm and above 330nm.

Because wavelengths below 300nm are eliminated UVB narrow band therapy times can be increased more safely, so patients can derive the maximum benefit from phototherapy. The increase effectiveness permits more aggressive treatment regimens, resulting in a shorter course of treatment. Extensive research confirms that patients not only avoid the danger of serious burning from sub-erthemal exposure, they may also enjoy longer remission periods after treatment.

Remission periods are similar to those with PUVA therapy and markedly superior to road-band UVB treatment. Studies show 38-40 percent of narrow band patients require no additional therapy for at least 12 months.

Narrow Band UVB light is at a wave length of 311nm, most other products emit the older, more dangerous radiation in the wide band spectrum. Narrow band UVB is much safer than full spectrum UVB, and the output is reduced by well over 97%. Narrow band UVB is the exact wave length that psoriasis responds to best. Why bombard your skin with unneeded light radiation? Even many UVB products in hospitals are older style, full UVB spectrum products as they are often many years old. If you imagine sun exposure to natural sunlight is equal to 100% UV radiation exposure, using a narrow band UV light is roughly 1% UV radiation exposure (powerful and targeted treatment.)

All our products use premium medical quality globes and the best possible component that are available today. We offer a full range of products that provide combined wide band UVA & UVB or exclusively Narrow Band UVB 311nm.

UVB or UVA ??*

Natural sun light is made up of two different wavelengths of ultraviolet (UV) light: UVA and UVB. In contrast, sun beds usually contain high levels of mainly UVA rays. Since the common misconception is that UVB light can burn and damage skin, it is a FALSE understanding that UVA tanning beds and salons are safe. In fact, UVA light penetrates much deeper into the skin that than UVB rays, damaging elastic fibbers that keep the skin supple. UVA rays also make the skin more vulnerable to the effects of UVB, so using a sun bed means that you'll be more likely to burn when you're exposed to natural sunlight for the next 7-10 days. UVB light can burn skin from over exposure (just like natural sunlight can) but it is the SAFEST part of the UV light spectrum and clinically proven as an effective treatment for many skin conditions. Used in moderation and according to an approved treatment program UVB is a highly effective and SAFE treatment as recommended by a leading international psoriasis foundation. *Source Top Sante Magazine August 2002.

what about skin cancers?

The risk for psoriasis patients on a life long UVB treatment will probably be of the same order of magnitude as for outdoor workers. In comparison with other every day risks, the risk of dying from a skin cancer seems to be negligible. Regular check-ups by a dermatologist can reduce this risk close to zero.

It would be unethical to say there is absolutely no risk of skin cancer. Most treatments today have some form of side effect, even the common aspirin and pain killers can have drastic affects such as causing liver damage, although very rare. The possibility of side effects are minimized by following the recommended guidelines. The possible side effects need to be considered before undertaking any form of treatment. It is important to know that there is no single proven case of narrow band UV phototherapy causing skin cancer, although it is known UV can cause skin cancer. We have several independent documents in our web forum that discuss cancer involved with UV. Furthermore, skin cancers can appear any place on the body, even the soles of the feet and arm pits that have obviously not been exposed to UV radiation, therefore it is highly likely that some people are simply predisposed to skin cancer.