ULTRAVIOLET B THERAPY

PATIENT INSTRUCTION SHEET

What is the special light?

Your dermatologist has prescribed UVB light treatments.  Ultraviolet B (UVB) light is a short-wave length light ray that is very useful in the treatment of psoriasis and other skin conditions.  Ultraviolet light is a normal component of natural sunlight.  Artificial sources are available that produce the special part of the light spectrum (UVB) necessary for the most effective therapy for many skin diseases.

What should I do before UVB therapy?

Certain medicines can increase the skin's sensitivity to UVB therapy.  Some other medical conditions can be aggravated by this treatment.

Before starting therapy it is important to tell your doctor:

1. All medications you are taking, both prescribed and over-the-counter.
2. If you have or have ever had skin cancer.
3. If you have a history of melanoma or blistering skin disorders in your family.
4. If you have any medical condition that requires you to stay out of the sun, such as lupus erythematosus.
5. If you have a history of cold sores or herpes infection.
6. If you are taking any drugs (either prescription or non-prescription).  Some drugs can increase your sensitivity to ultraviolet light either from the sun or man-made sources.  Examples of such drugs include: major tranquilizers, sulfa drugs, antibiotics or drugs used for the treatment of infection, medications for the treatment of diabetes, tetracycline antibiotics, griseofulvin products and thiazide-containing diuretics (blood pressure or water-elimination drugs).

If you begin any new medications or re-start any medications that you used to take, please be sure to inform the phototherapy staff.

You should also tell your doctor if your skin sunburns very easily, if you have taken medicines containing arsenic in the past or if you have any problem with your immune system.

How do I take my UVB treatments?

1. Application of mineral oil before each UVB treatment may enhance the skin's response to the light.  This will be done in the phototherapy unit.
2. To prevent burning, you must stand in the same position during each treatment, since sudden exposure of skin that was not exposed during previous treatments can result in a sunburn reaction.
3. Eye protection must be worn during treatment.
4. It is very important that you tell the phototherapy staff if you experience any redness or tenderness of your skin (such as sunburn) following any light treatment.

Problems, risks and side effects of UVB therapy

You should be aware of the risks and side effects of UVB therapy.

1. The most common short-term side effect is a "sunburn" or itching and redness of the skin.
2. Pigmentary changes of the skin may occur such as tanning or freckling.  These changes usually diminish or fade over time, once treatment has been discontinued.

The long-term risks of ultraviolet B therapy include:

1. Premature aging of the skin with prolonged therapy, especially in individuals who tan poorly.  This problem is similar to that which occurs following excessive exposure to sunlight.
2. There is an increased risk of developing non-fatal skin cancers, especially for patients who have had many treatments or who fall into the following categories:
1. Fair skin that burns rather than tans.
2. Have had prior treatments with radiation, grenz rays or arsenic.
3. Have had coal tar, or previous extensive UVB or PUVA therapy.

This increased risk of skin cancer is also similar to that seen in patients who have been chronically exposed to the sun.  In males undergoing treatment, the genital area is shielded to help protect this area from a possible increased risk of developing cancer.

Even though you doctor will be examining you, you should routinely examine your skin for small growths and sores that will not heal.  Immediately report such observations to your doctor.