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Phototherapy

Treatment for eczema, psoriasis and vitiligo

Narrowband UVB phototherapy is a medical-grade light treatment used to manage a range of skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis and vitiligo. At Heidelberg Dermatology, we use a specific wavelength of ultraviolet light to target and help calm inflammatory cells within the skin. This treatment can help reduce itching, redness and inflammation, providing effective symptom relief without the systemic side effects that may be associated with some medications.
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How Does Phototherapy Work?

Phototherapy uses medical-grade light panels to deliver controlled exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) light. Unlike natural sunlight or solariums, which contain harmful rays, narrowband UVB targets only the exact wavelength needed to reduce skin cell overproduction and help soothe local inflammation.

During a session, you stand inside a specialised light panel system for a duration ranging from a few seconds to several minutes. Your skin absorbs the light energy that turns off active inflammatory cells and triggers healing inside the tissue.

Phototherapy Can Treat a Range of Conditions

At Heidelberg Dermatology in North East Melbourne, our specialists use Phototherapy to help manage and target skin flare-ups.

Eczema & Dermatitis

Chronic eczema and dermatitis can cause intense itching, redness and dry, inflamed skin. Phototherapy helps reduce inflammation by calming the immune response in the skin and can help break the itch-scratch cycle. It may be beneficial for patients whose condition is not adequately controlled with topical treatments alone.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis causes skin cells to multiply more rapidly than normal, leading to thick, scaly plaques. Narrowband UVB phototherapy helps slow excessive skin cell turnover, inflammation and improve psoriasis symptoms.

Vitiligo (Pigmentary Disorders)

Vitiligo occurs when pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) are targeted by the immune system, resulting in patches of depigmented skin. Phototherapy can stimulate melanocyte activity and encourage repigmentation, helping to restore pigment to affected areas in some patients.
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How Phototherapy is Delivered

Whole Body Phototherapy

For widespread conditions, patients stand inside an upright light unit that treats the whole skin surface simultaneously. This method is used for extensive flare-ups on the trunk, back and limbs.

Hand & Foot Phototherapy

When symptoms are confined to the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet, specialised localised phototherapy devices can be used to deliver targeted treatment to these areas. This approach is particularly useful for managing thick, persistent plaques and inflammation affecting the hands and feet.

The Potential Benefits of Phototherapy

Medication-Free Treatment

Phototherapy treats the skin directly using medical-grade light and may help reduce the need for certain medications in some patients. As the treatment is targeted to the skin, it avoids many of the systemic side effects associated with oral therapies.

Flexible and Repeatable

Treatment sessions are typically brief, making them easier to fit into your weekly routine. Phototherapy can be used over extended periods when clinically appropriate, and treatment schedules may be adjusted based on your skin’s response and disease activity.

Warm Relief

The procedure is comfortable, delivering a gentle warmth to the skin during the session without any stinging or recovery time.

Specialist Dermatology in North East Melbourne

Ready to manage your eczema, psoriasis or vitiligo with bulk-billed medical light therapy?

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Phototherapy Frequently Asked Questions