Targeted Phototherapy – The Big Step in Skin Disease Treatment

While many would call phototherapy an alternative practice in cosmetic dermatology, it has clinically proven its efficiency over the years. It has been used as a treatment for many skin conditions, such as psoriasis, vitiligo, rosacea, alopecia, eczema, and many more.

The concept of using controlled light as a treatment is said to have been around since ancient times. However, modern phototherapy treatment has been around since the early 1900s. Since then, advancements in modern technology has played a significant role in the enhancements and efficiency of results.

Targeted phototherapy, commonly used as skin treatments, has become more widespread and used by more medical professionals for a variety of treatments around the world.

What is Targeted Phototherapy?

Targeted phototherapy utilizes a special delivery mechanism to target or focus the ultraviolet light only on the affected areas. It protects the unaffected area from unnecessary exposure to the ultraviolet rays.

A system by Theralight, Inc. called DuaLight® has the advantageous features allowing physicians to use the treatment that is best for their client. These treatments allow the use of 4 options:

1. Broadband UVB (290-320nm)
2. Narrowband UVB (311nm)
3. PUVA (psoralen with UVA 320-380nm)
4. UVA1 (340 to 380nm)

Prominent Benefits of Targeted Phototherapy

There is no question about the effectiveness of targeted phototherapy for many skin treatments. Otherwise, it simply would no longer exist. In addition to its ability to keep healthy skin from being exposed to ultraviolet risks, there are other benefits, particularly for the use of the DuaLight® system:

• Shorter treatment time due to faster delivery of higher doses of light to the affected area
• Proves extremely helpful in the treatment of difficult areas such as the genitals, scalp, ear, or nose
• Smaller equipment size that allows portability and convenience

  The smaller size of the equipment makes it easier to store in smaller offices or at home. Also, the size makes it less intimidating for the patients especially children. That is not the only difference the equipment can make.

The Real Difference

Targeted phototherapy is considered superior to conventional methods in terms of efficiency, efficacy, as well as safety. However, the quality of equipment used for the treatment is extremely important to ensure that the promises are properly met.

While there are numerous phototherapy equipment manufacturers out there, only few are credited for taking this technology to its optimum level. Working closely with the practitioners to understand the requirements and risks, these manufacturers develop a range of high quality equipments with specific purpose.

Due to the research and development conducted by such manufacture, we can expect expedited advancement in this arena over the next few years. With more specific purpose equipments available in the future, phototherapy is expected to be used as a preferable treatment for more conditions.