Name of the Procedure:

Actinotherapy
Common name(s): UV Light Therapy, Phototherapy
Technical or medical term: Ultraviolet Light Therapy

Summary

Actinotherapy, or ultraviolet light therapy, is a medical procedure that involves exposing the skin to controlled amounts of ultraviolet (UV) light. This treatment is used to manage and treat various skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and vitiligo.

Purpose

Medical Conditions Addressed: Psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo, certain types of dermatitis, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Goals/Expected Outcomes: The aim is to reduce symptoms of skin conditions, such as itchiness, redness, and scaling, and to promote healing and the regrowth of healthy skin.

Indications

Symptoms/Conditions: Chronic and severe psoriasis, atopic dermatitis (eczema), vitiligo (loss of skin pigment), itching due to kidney disease, lichen planus. Patient Criteria: Patients who have not responded to topical treatments or systemic medications, or those who cannot tolerate systemic treatments.

Preparation

Pre-Procedure Instructions:

• Avoid applying lotions, perfumes, and topical medications unless instructed by a healthcare provider.
• Wear protective eyewear if instructed, to protect the eyes from UV exposure.
• Inform the healthcare provider about all medications and supplements being taken.

Diagnostic Tests/Assessments:

• Skin examination and medical history review.
• Possibly blood tests or other assessments to determine overall health status and suitability for UV therapy.

Procedure Description

1. Initial Assessment: The healthcare professional will assess the skin condition and set the appropriate UV dose.
2. Preparation: The patient will put on protective eyewear and may be asked to remove clothing from the area being treated.
3. Exposure: The patient will stand or sit in a special light box containing fluorescent UV bulbs or panels that emit UVA or UVB light. Alternatively, handheld devices may be used for targeted areas.
4. Duration: The session duration will depend on the condition and treatment plan, typically starting with a few seconds to several minutes.
5. Completion: After the session, the patient can resume normal activities.

Tools/Equipment: UV light box, fluorescent UV bulbs or panels, handheld UV devices. Anesthesia/Sedation: Not required.

Duration

Treatment sessions typically range from a few seconds to several minutes, depending on the type and severity of the condition being treated.

Setting

The procedure is usually performed in a dermatology office or an outpatient clinic equipped with phototherapy units.

Personnel

Healthcare professionals involved may include dermatologists, nurses, and trained phototherapy technicians.

Risks and Complications

Common Risks: Skin redness, dryness, itching, and mild sunburn-like reactions. Rare Risks: Increased risk of skin aging and skin cancer with prolonged UV exposure; blistering and dark spots. Management: Use of moisturizers and topical medications to manage skin reactions; monitoring by healthcare providers to adjust dosage and exposure time as needed.

Benefits

Expected Benefits: Improvement in skin condition symptoms, reduced itching and inflammation, and a better skin appearance. Benefits may start to be noticed after several sessions.

Recovery

Post-Procedure Care: Apply moisturizers as recommended, avoid sun exposure, and follow specific skin care instructions provided by the healthcare provider. Recovery Time: No downtime is typically required; patients can return to normal activities immediately. Follow-Up Appointments: Regular sessions are usually scheduled 2-3 times a week for several weeks or months, along with periodic evaluation by the dermatologist.

Alternatives

Other Treatment Options: Topical treatments (creams, ointments), systemic medications (oral or injectable), biological treatments, alternative light therapies (e.g., laser therapy). Pros and Cons of Alternatives: UV therapy is non-invasive and can be effective when other treatments fail, but it requires frequent sessions and carries risks of long-term skin damage. Topical and systemic treatments may be effective but can have side effects and may not be suitable for all patients.

Patient Experience

During the procedure, patients may feel a slight warmth or tingling sensation. After the procedure, the treated area may feel similar to a mild sunburn. Pain management is not typically necessary, but moisturizing and proper skin care can enhance comfort and healing.