Northern Phototherapy Mgmt Facility

At Northern Phototherapy Management Facility we specialize in the treatment of Psoriasis, Eczema, Vitiligo, as well as other photo-responsive skin conditions.  UVB light therapy has been in existence for over 80 years, with a wide range of success.  We offer the latest available technology with Narrow Band (311nm) UVB light.  Clinical studies as well as history have demonstrated a clear superiority of NB-UVB in clearing psoriasis (81.8% average clearing) when used at safe suberythemogenic doses, with longer remission periods.  And, because UVB requires no oral medications and carries no systemic effects, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children can be treated safely.

Patients who contact us requesting our service are referred to their family physician as the firs step in the process.  Because we are a treatment facility we would administer NB-UVB light under a doctor's referral, followed by regular scheduled evaluations.  Our protocol for treatment follows:

• The patient obtains a referral from their doctor (download form here)
• This form will list all current medications and current medical conditions of the patient which will be used to determine photosensitivity
• The patient schedules the first phototherapy appointment at which time a detailed analysis of the skin is done.
• The patient stands in a treatment enclosure containing several columns of NB-UVB lamps.  A person undresses to expose all affected areas to the ultraviolet light.
• The patient generally will receive treatments three times per week.  It takes an average of 30 treatments to reach maximum improvement.  The first exposure to the light is usually quite short, lasting as little as a few seconds.  Exposure time depends on the person's skin type and the intensity of the light emitted from the bulbs.  People with light skin start with shorter exposure times than people with darker skin.
• Normally, treatment times are gradually increased until clearing occurs, unless the last session produced itching and/or skin tenderness.  Because administering NB-UVB light is not an exact science, each person's reaction to the light is not completely predictable.  Subsequent sessions of NB-UVB are adjusted according to a person's individual response.
• NB-UVB requires a significant time commitment.  People get the best results when they keep scheduled appointments and follow treatment directions.
• Studies suggest that mineral oil and petrolatum are as effective as coal tar or anthralin when used in conjunction with NB-UVB.  Applied in a thin layer before treatment, mineral oil or petrolatum can improve the ability of light to penetrate the skin.
• Any other topical application left on the skin may block some or all of the UVB light and reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.  This is especially true of coal tar, salicylic acid and thick, white moisturizers.
• We require the patient to be evaluated by their referring physician 24-30 sessions into the initial treatment program.
• Once the skin clears, the treatments are gradually reduced, and at a certain point can be stopped.  They should be resumed as the lesions begin to reappear.
• Studies show that UVB maintenance can increase remission time.  Most people need four to eight maintenance treatments per month to prolong clearance, but it is different for every person.

Because consistency is the key to successful treatment, patients who cannot come for therapy on a regular basis should not consider treatment, as well as anyone who cannot stand due to physical limitations, or those who are mentally impaired and unable to follow instructions.

Narrow Band UVB unit

Testimonials 

"I have had psoriasis for over 49 years and have tried many remedies.  Phototherapy has proven to be the most successful.  After only 18 weeks of therapy my skin is 98% clear.  I highly recommend it." -Dave Golden

"I feel it (phototherapy) works great.  It's an effective way to treat skin problems without using drugs.  I'm very happy with the results on my legs especially...they are the best they've been in years." -D.B.

"Since I started the Phototherapy treatment I have had blessed relief from the terrible itching and scaling of psoriasis." -L.M.

"Within the first few treatments of Phototherapy I noticed an incredible improvement in my psoriasis.  This treatment has helped me to feel comfortable with my complexion and about myself.  I strongly recommend it (phototherapy) to anyone suffering from a skin disorder." -C.Z.