The Patch Test and Phototherapy Clinic
Sunlight has been used in the treatment of skin diseases for thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians used a plant extracted substance (thought to be psoralen) which, when combined with exposure to sunlight treated vitiligo.
It is only in the past century that alternative sources of ultraviolet radiation have been developed. This new technology allows skin conditions to be treated in a controlled environment that does not rely on natural sunlight.
Phototherapy
This treatment involves attending the clinic 2-3 times in a week for approximately 6-8 weeks. During this treatment the skin is exposed to short wave ultraviolet radiation. The clinic offers narrowband UVB (311-315nm).
Photochemotherapy
This treatment requires attending the clinic twice a week for approximately 8-10 weeks. The treatment consists of combining a photoactive chemical and exposing the skin to UVA (320-400nm).
