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UVB (TL-01) TREATMENT

WHAT IS UVB (TL-01) TREATMENT?

The light that comes from the sun is made up of lots of different colours.  The full range of these colours is known as the spectrum.  Included in the spectrum is ultra violet  (UV).  The ultra violet is divided into three types, i.e. UVA, UVB and UVC. The  treatment resembles  artificially produced sun rays. Of which specifically TLO 1 UVB is given . TLO 1UVB  refers to a specific wavelength –311 nm. This has been recently shown to be effective in certain skin conditions including eczema,psoriasis and vitiligo just to name a few.

 It will be necessary for you to attend a certain no of days in a week as decided by the Doctor.Each session should last a maximum of 15 minutes.

 UVB (TL-01) treatment needs to be carried out under medical supervision.

 HOW UVB IS GIVEN

 Light exposure takes place in a specially designed cubicle containing fluorescent tubes. You will need to take off your clothes down to your underpants and stand in the centre of the cubicle with the doors closed. The cubicle is behind thick curtains and there will be  a changing room for your use, therefore there will be  privacy. The start dose of light will be determined by the Doctor and it is measured in seconds, your time in the machine will increase as your skin accepts the light exposure. There will be a Nurse and / or Doctor in attendance for virtually every session.

 If you experience any tingling or heat from your skin, this is to be expected.

 PROTECTIVE GLASSES

 Protective glasses should ALWAYS be worn whilst receiving your light dose in the cabinet. Please use the glasses provided (green or black in colour) to protect your eyes from the UVB light. You should not remove the protective goggles, whilst in the cubical, unless SPECIFICALLY asked to do so.

If the protective glasses are not worn,and your eyes remain OPEN, the eyes can suffer serious damage such as development of cataracts.

PRECAUTIONS TO TAKE

Befor starting and during the whole UVB course you should:-

 a)  Avoid any perfumes, aftershave or other cosmetics and toiletries as they make your skin even  more sensitive to the ultra violet light.

b) Ensure your skin is clean and dry by having a plain shower before your treatment.

 c)  Avoid any other form of artificial ultra violet treatment or relaxation e.g., solarium or sunbed.

 d) Avoid sunbathing on the day of treatment.

 e) Inform the doctors about any pills, creams or ointments that may have been  prescribed   elsewhere.

f)      Male patients should either wear a small pair of underpants, or a sock and an elastic band, whilst in the cabinet, to cover  the genitals, because the skin is thin in this area and is at risk   of burning.  Female patients should wear a small pair of briefs for the same reason.

 POSSIBLE SIDE-EFFECTS OF UVB TREATMENT

 Most people who have UVB treatment suffer no side-effects but some of these are:-

 a)     Your skin may become red, similar to the redness caused by sunburn. This is treated by liberally  applying after sun lotion and PLENTY of moisturisers to the affected areas.

 b)      After a number of treatments UVB can lead to the tanning of the skin.  Although the skin   appears well-tanned it may occasionally remain very sensitive to natural sunlight and burn easily        on sun-       exposure ( the tan will fade over a period of about two months on      completion of       treatment).

 c)    Long-term use of UVB may include an acceleration of skin “ageing” (this      includes an increase  in freckles, wrinkling and dryness of the skin). So we will ask you to liberally apply any   moisturiser which has been suggested by your consultant after you have received your light dose.

 d)     A very slight increase in the chance of developing skin cancer late in life e.g., growths. If  you  notice any change in your skin (both during and after your treatment) please inform the nursing  staff.  These changes can include a lump, an ulcer, a persistent crust or scab, colour change   and growth of an existing mole.

 If any redness of the skin appears after UVB treatment, use plenty of moisturisers e.g., Aqueous Cream, White Soft Paraffin / Liquid Paraffin mix or E45

 BUT do not apply any moisturisers for the first hour after your UVB treatment.