The Uses of Phototherapy (Narrowband UVB) in Sydney

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Skin diseases are common in Australia, with 16% of Australians going to doctors and hospital consulting for their dermatological concerns and needs. Since this number is not small, it has been a practice to seek out measures to prevent skin diseases from recurring. One common treatment is phototherapy.

Phototherapy, also known as a light treatment, is commonly used to treat a wide range of skin conditions and illnesses, including eczema, psoriasis, and vitiligo. If you have these conditions, seeking help from your trusted dermatologist and narrow-band UVB may be one of the treatment options.

Phototherapy has long been used to treat medical conditions dating back as far as 3500 years ago when ancient Egyptians and Indians used sunlight to treat various skin disorders.
With many breakthroughs in modern medicine, phototherapy is now highly regarded as an effective treatment for skin disorders and many different conditions. Since it has been popularized, the use of phototherapy in medical fields grew, and more techniques were developed. Eventually, it received widespread acceptance in the medical community.

SKIN DISORDERS

Eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, itchy skin and other skin conditions can be treated through phototherapy. This treatment involves using UV light – a kind of light present in sunlight- to prevent skin cell inflammation and growth.

A healthy dose of sunlight every day can help ease the symptoms of your skin disorders. But take note, that rays coming directly from the sun can worsen or even up the chances of getting skin cancer. If you really want to bask in the heat of the sun always apply sunscreen with an SPF 50 on areas that don’t need UV light exposure.

A controlled and regulated UV light is more effective than exposing yourself directly to the sunlight. In phototherapy, there are many different techniques and types to aid different kinds of disorders.

There are three types of phototherapies used in treating skin disorders:

  • Broadband UVB: This therapy uses the full spectrum of ultraviolet-B radiation. It is important to note that this treatment is used for dermatitis and psoriasis. Not available at Pymble Dermatology
  • Narrowband UVB: Unlike BBUVB where the full spectrum of ultraviolet B rays are utilized, Narrowband UVB uses a small and dedicated part of UVB radiation. It is more intense and widely used by seasoned dermatologists. At Pymble Dermatology, we offer Narrowband UVB to many patients with psoriasis, vitiligo and eczema and the result is encouraging.
  • PUVA: Psolaren ultraviolet-A (PUVA) combines UVA light with a chemical called psolaren. PUVA cures conditions like vitiligo, cutaneous T cell lymphoma. This treatment is the last resort when all other phototherapy treatments have failed to work as it is the most intense and is said to have many side effects. Not available at Pymble Dermatology

SIDE EFFECTS OF PHOTOTHERAPY

Phototherapy as a treatment for various disorders, it has little to no long-term side effects. If any, phototherapy has several temporary short-term side effects, such as skin redness, itching, folliculitis, blisters, headache, irritability, rashes, and dehydration. These side effects are nonetheless inconsequential to the benefits of the treatment.

CAN YOU HAVE A PHOTOTHERAPY SESSION?

Since we are dealing with UVB and UVA light, it is good to note that you should at least inform your dermatologist or avoid being treated with phototherapy if:

  • You are a nursing mother or pregnant
  • You have lupus with photosensitivity
  • You are on medication which makes you photosensitive
  • You have a history of previous skin cancer

During the consultation, don’t hesitate to ask questions. Discuss all the enquiries you have in mind. Be prepared and never miss your appointments to enjoy the full benefits of phototherapy (2-3 times a week for approximately 20 times)

How Dermatologists Correct Spots on Your Skin

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The skin is one thing many people obsess about. Some even took a whole lot of time to do their 10-step skincare routine to make their skin look flawless. Even with this incredible kind of caution, blemishes and spots on the skin are unavoidable to Aussies, especially with the erratic weather.

If you have either white, red, or dark spots, you are not alone. While these discolorations are often not dangerous, it’s still best to see your trusted dermatologist. They can help you cure your spots and advise the best treatment for you.

Kinds of Spots

1. White Spots

These are results of depigmentation or color loss. They are common to people who lack Vitamin D and Vitamin E intake.

White spots are often:

Sunspots

Excessive exposure to everything is unhealthy. Same with sunlight, it can have an unexpected effect on your skin. Sunspots can also appear from extended tanning bed use. These are more common to white blokes but can appear on anyone. Most sunspots are benign and painless.

Tinea versicolor

One of the most common fungal infections, tinea versicolor shows up as white spots on your skin. It can also appear as pink, red or brown. Though common in people living in tropical countries, it can affect anyone.

Vitiligo

Due to the loss of melanocytes, this autoimmune disorder leaves white patches on the skin. The extent and rate of vitiligo can be unpredictable. Even superstars like Michael Jackson can be affected by vitiligo.

Milia

Found around the eye, nose, and cheek area, milia are small white bumps that are common to newborn babies. They can cause discomfort but are generally painless and harmless.

Milia can be categorized into two: primary and secondary. Primary milia appear when keratin is trapped under the skin, while secondary milia are the result of post-inflammatory hypopigmentation.

2. Red Spots

Red spots are invariably the most common skin problem. Most of the time, these spots are itchy, painful, and swollen. Unlike white spots, red spots can pose serious harm to your skin. Since most red spots are painful, shy away from self-medicating them and seek medical advice immediately.

Acne

Among all skin disorders, this is one we can all relate to. Acne is a skin condition that happens to almost everyone during adolescence. Clog oil in the sebaceous gland is one of the many causes of acne.

Atopic eczema

This is also known as atopic dermatitis. Unlike the other types of spots this is a long-term condition most people suffer from.

Rosacea

It is a condition that causes redness and visible blood vessels in your face. Rosacea can often be mistaken for acne or other skin problems. It may also produce small, red, pus-filled bumps.

3. Dark Spots

Our skin produces melanin to counteract the effects of harmful UV rays. Melanin is the hormone that gives color to the eyes, and hair. The result of excessive melanin is hyperpigmentation or dark spots.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

This is a skin discoloration resulted in an inflammatory lesion, like acne, scars, and wounds. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can easily be cured by laser and peeling treatments.

Linea nigra

When one gets pregnant, a dark, vertical line appears lengthwise down the middle of the abdomen. For some mothers, this is nothing to worry about since this fades over time.

Solar Lentigos

This is also caused by the sun’s rays. It is a result of melanocytes multiplying because of UV radiation. It is also known as an aged spot and is more come to people aged 40 and above.

Treatment for Spots

When you see spots on your face, you always worry and try the best ways to remove them. Whether it’s a white, red, or dark spot, it’s best to ask your dermatologist about the proper ways to treat and remedy these spots.

These are some procedures and treatments your skin doctor does to your skin:

Topical Treatments

There are bleaching creams that your dermatologist will prescribe to gradually eliminate your spots. This is not a one-time solution and would take a couple of months to see the effects.

Cosmetic Procedures

Most often, these procedures are used to enhance the aesthetic value of the skin. Some procedures may not be suitable for people with sensitive skin.

Laser Treatment

In this procedure, the skin doctor uses concentrated light energy, which burns dark spots off.

Chemical Peels

With the help of salicylic acid and glycolic acid, the doctor administers chemical peels to reveal a healthier and more evenly toned skin

Light Therapy

Eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, itchy skin and other skin conditions can be cured through phototherapy. This treatment involves using UV light – a kind of light present in sunlight- to prevent skin cell inflammation and growth.

Cryotherapy

Known as cold therapy, cryotherapy is a technique where extremely low temperatures are applied to the body for several minutes. This therapy can be administered in a specific region of the body or the whole body. Localized cryotherapy is a common first aid for some injuries. Here, ice packs, ice massages, and coolants are used to ease and alleviate the symptoms of the injury.

Destruction Curettage

Involves the process of scraping the skin with a curette to remove skin tissue. It is commonly used to scrape away skin lesions.

Microdermabrasion

This is another well-known exfoliating treatment for hyperpigmentation that uses tiny particles to sand away dead skin. Microdermabrasion is best for milder hyperpigmentation conditions since the results are modest in terms of improving the appearance of skin discoloration.

Spots no more!

Though spots are deemed to be harmless, it is in your best interest to seek professional and medical advice. More than anything, a good and glowing skin boosts your confidence to do more and be more. Finding the right skin treatments in Sydney can have a significant impact on your well-being. Pymble Dermatology prides itself on innovative skincare technologies for you. For enquiries, contact us by calling 028 0685 006.

Improving Your Skin with the Help of Pymble Dermatology ( A North Sydney Dermatology Clinic )

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Pymble Dermatology

As the largest organ of the body, the skin plays a crucial role. In addition to acting as a first line of defence against illness, it’s also an important aesthetic asset. Because of this, it’s normal to suffer a knock to your confidence when something happens to your skin. At Pymble Dermatology, our North Sydney dermatology clinic provides a selection of treatments. If you want to improve the way your skin looks and protect it, you may want to learn more about how we can help you.

Medical-Grade Acne Treatments

Most people will experience acne at some stage in their lives. It usually begins around the time of hormonal development, which is why it’s so prominent during your teenage years.

In many cases, acne is mild and easy to manage. Some people experience severe breakouts, though and this can have an adverse effect on their lives. When acne is particularly prevalent, you may choose to withdraw from your usual activities. Additionally, it can cause a lack of self-confidence. There’s also a risk that you’ll experience scarring, which can continue to affect you throughout your adult life.

Treating Acne at Our North Sydney Dermatology Clinic

Our North Sydney dermatology clinic is an excellent repository of acne treatments. If you find that the over-the-counter treatments you’re using aren’t working, we may be able to help.

Our clinicians provide a selection of topical therapies you can’t purchase off the shelf. After performing an assessment of your acne and its likely causes, we’ll recommend a selection of treatments. If necessary, we can also prescribe antibiotics and oral retinoids. Such treatments are often effective at eliminating or significantly reducing acne.

At Pymble Dermatology, we understand that acne is sometimes distressing. Because of this, we’ll always approach your case with the utmost care and sensitivity.

Tackling Rosacea

Beneath the surface of your skin, there are thousands of small blood vessels, which usually remain invisible. However, if you have rosacea, you may notice distinctive red patches on your face. Sometimes those patches are temporary, but in other cases, they can be long-lasting and obvious. As a result, if you suffer from rosacea, you may feel self-conscious because of your condition.

Eventually, rosacea can progress to cause flaky and dry skin, as well as red pustules and spots. You may also find that your skin is sensitive and easily aggravated by everyday creams and oils. As a result, controlling it at home can feel impossible.

Professional Rosacea Treatments

When your rosacea is too much to manage alone, try our North Sydney dermatology clinic. We can offer courses of antibiotics that reduce redness and inflammation. Additionally, we can assess the severity of your rosacea and provide topical treatments. Our anti-flushing medications are also ideal for treating persistent patches of redness, which are usually caused by widening blood vessels.

By using a personalised treatment plan, you can identify the cause of your rosacea and treat it accordingly. At Pymble Dermatology, we’ll help you find a treatment that’s convenient and effective.

Overcoming Eczema

Throughout Australia, more than 1-million people suffer from eczema. At our North Sydney dermatology clinic, it remains as one of the most common reasons for visits.

Eczema often starts in your childhood years, and in many cases, it will clear up before adulthood. However, it can be incredibly uncomfortable, and some adults find that it’s a condition that continues to plague them for the rest of their life. In its most severe forms, eczema can significantly restrict what you do. You may find yourself unable to engage with daily tasks because of the pain and irritation. Additionally, you could find that you’re constantly battling against triggers.

How We Can Help Your Eczema

Tackling eczema often requires a combination of self-care and medical treatments. While you’re at home, you should make a note of your triggers, and then make a conscious effort to avoid them. Staying in cool and shaded areas makes a big difference, as does wearing loose cotton clothing.

At Pymble Dermatology, we can assess the severity of your eczema and recommend a skincare regime that helps. In addition to finding the best lotions and treatments, we’ll advise you on when to apply them and how often. You can also see us periodically for a review, so we can adjust your treatment plan. In severe cases, we’re able to provide anti-itch medications that’ll help you avoid scratching. Finally, if you suffer from eczema-related infections, we can supply you with antibiotics that stop their progression.

Preventing Hyperpigmentation

It isn’t always possible to control hyperpigmentation and pigmented lesions. These lesions usually arise due to a combination of genetics and the amount of melanin present in your cells. Common examples include freckles and moles, which may be more likely to appear following sun exposure.

As you get older, you may also notice lentigines appearing in the areas that are most exposed to the sun. For example, your hands. When lentigines appear, it’s always advisable to visit a specialist who can differentiate between them and aggressive forms of skin cancer.

Tackling Hyperpigmentation with IPL

If you’re unhappy about the amount of hyperpigmentation you’re experiencing, you may want to consider Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy. Using IPL therapy, it’s possible to target the melanin-producing cells beneath the surface of your skin. When the light therapy is absorbed by these cells, they’re destroyed. 

At present, we don’t offer IPL at our North Sydney dermatology clinic. However, we can refer you to a specialist who does provide it. Our team will also be able to offer advice on how you can prevent further pigmentation. From wearing certain sunscreen strengths to using whitening creams, there are many options for you to choose from.

By visiting a North Sydney dermatology clinic, you can protect your skin and improve the way it looks. With the assistance of a skilled dermatologist, your skin will look better, for longer.

 

Must Try Skin Treatments in Sydney

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Your skin plays an important role in your life, so you need to take good care of it. In addition to eating a healthy lifestyle and staying well-hydrated, you may want to try some of our skin treatments in Sydney. At Pymble Dermatology, we specialize in medical skin treatments. Whether you’re suffering from acne or trying to manage your pigmentation, here are some of the treatments we regularly recommend to our patients.

Professional Acne Care

Acne is a common occurrence throughout Australia. Around 95% of teenage boys will develop it at some stage, and around 83% of girls do. Although the peak incidence occurs between the ages of 14 and 17, some adults find that it lasts longer. Regardless of when acne strikes, it isn’t unusual to find that it leaves you feeling self-conscious.

If you’re suffering from acne, there are ways you can try to treat it at home. You have a lot of choices when it comes to over-the-counter treatments, so it’s worth trying one before seeking medical attention.

When over-the-counter treatments don’t work, you may want to try professional acne care. At Pymble Dermatology, we provide skin treatments in Sydney that tackle acne. The creams we prescribe include ingredients that you won’t find in over-the-counter products. Additionally, we can offer oral medications where necessary. When our treatments work, they have a transformative effect on the patients who try them.

Antihistamines for Reducing Itching

It isn’t always the case that skin conditions have visible effects. For example, you may find that your skin itches because of eczema, the scaling involved in severe rosacea, or PUPP during pregnancy. When this happens, resisting the urge to itch can become nearly impossible.

There are a couple of ways you can try to reduce itching at home. You may want to try wearing gloves when you’re not occupied, as they could deter you from itching. Additionally, applying a cool compress to the affected area will distract you from the sensation and cull your urge to itch. As scratching an itch can make the cycle worse, it’s important to break it in whatever way you can.

As a final resolution, you can try taking antihistamine. As one of our most popular skin treatments in Sydney, antihistamine use has the power to transform your life. As anti-itch drugs, they disrupt the compounds that induce itching sensations. If they prevent you from itching, they can also help to prevent scars and infections.

Narrowband UVB Phototherapy for Psoriasis

Psoriasis affects between 2 to 6% of the Australian population. It’s characterized by red and flaky patches of skin that are covered with silver scales. If you suffer from the condition, you may find that it’s particularly bad during periods of stress. Other common triggers include smoking, hormonal changes, and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol.

In most cases, psoriasis has a genetic component. As a result, you need to find ways to manage the condition at home. As with other skin conditions, understanding what your triggers are and eliminating them can help. For example, if you’re aware that your psoriasis becomes particularly bad when you drink alcohol too often, cutting back on your intake will have a big impact. You may also want to try stress-reduction techniques, such as meditation and yoga.

Naturally, it isn’t always to tackle psoriasis at home. At Pymble Dermatology, we offer UVB phototherapy. As an innovative skin treatment in Sydney, it’s commonly used to treat a variety of skin diseases. It involves directing a narrowband of UVB light to slow down the growth of affected skin cells. As psoriasis is caused by the deeper layers of skin growing too quickly, this is an effective means of slowing the condition down. You may find that you have some skin sensitivity following your treatment. As your sessions progress, you should notice a significant reduction in your condition.

Tag and Wart Removal

Skin tags, molluscum contagiosum, and warts are incredibly common. While warts and molluscum are caused by viruses, skin tags may be caused by too much blood vessel growth. Whatever the reason for their appearance, it’s natural to feel as though you don’t want them there. This is especially true when they grow out of control, or when they’re in a highly visible place.

It’s never advisable to try at-home treatments designed to remove skin tags and growths. Many of them don’t have much evidence supporting their use, and some can result in scarring. One of your main options for at-home care is watchful waiting. You should find that the growth disappears, although in the case of skin tags this isn’t likely to happen.

Our skin treatments in Sydney include growth removal procedures. We’ll provide a local anesthetic in the area we’re going to treat. We’ll then use a tool to remove the growth and provide you with aftercare advice. One of the major advantages of using a dermatologist is that you can avoid problematic side effects such as scarring and infections.

Resolving Skin Infections

Skin infections can be caused by a host of viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Although it’s sometimes possible to treat them at home, you may also need the attention of a specialist. For example, if you’re experiencing repeated bouts of shingles, you may require antivirals for when you experience prodromal symptoms. Or if you have impetigo, antibiotics can prevent the infection from worsening and spreading.

Sometimes, you may find that your GP cannot diagnose the infection alone. Because of this, using our dermatological services is necessary. As specialists in this area, we can identify what’s causing your infection and bring it to a halt. Wherever necessary, we’ll provide treatments for other members of your household too.

Finding the right skin treatments in Sydney can have a significant and positive impact on your overall wellbeing. By seeking advice from a dermatologist, you’re more likely to find a treatment that works.

The Importance of a Regular Skin Cancer Check in Sydney

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Skin cancer is caused by abnormal skin cell growth. It’s one of the most common cancers. Although it’s impossible to prevent all incidents of skin cancer, the good news is that regular skin checks can reduce your likelihood of developing incurable skin cancer. If you’re based in Sydney, here’s everything you need to know about the disease and the importance of skin cancer checks.

Skin Cancer in Australia Statistics

Skin cancer is a major problem in Australia, and the country has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. The reality is that at least 2 in 3 Australians will develop skin cancer before they’re 70 years old, and diagnosis rates are still rising in the 60+ demographic. It’s the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the country, and the cost of treating it sits at around A$1 billion per year.

What Causes Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is common in Australia because of the climate. In the Australian summer, skin can burn in as little as 10 minutes, and sunburn is a primary risk factor for developing melanoma skin cancer. You’re at higher risk of developing skin cancer anywhere in Australia, including Sydney, if you:

  • Use sunbeds or a solarium
  • Have a large number of freckles or moles
  • Have a family history of skin cancer
  • Burn easily or have skin that doesn’t tan
  • Have blue/green eyes and/or light skin
  • Work in the sun
  • Suffered sunburn in the past, however mild

Although it’s fun to visit the beach and enjoy the hot sunshine, there’s no such thing as a “safe” tan. Even if you don’t burn, you’re still causing damage to your skin.

Types of Skin Cancer

The top layer of your skin is known as the epidermis. There are three layers within the epidermis, and each part can be affected by cancer. The three skin cancer types are:

Basal Cell Carcinoma

This is the most common type of skin cancer. It spreads slowly, meaning it’s usually treatable if it’s diagnosed quickly.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

This type of skin cancer typically appears on skin most often exposed to the sun, and it spreads quicker than basal cell carcinoma, usually over weeks or months.

Melanoma

Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer, but luckily, it’s also the rarest, accounting for around 2% of skin cancer cases. This cancer usually presents as a mole or freckle that’s changed in texture, size, colour, or shape. It’s harder to treat because it spreads more quickly to other parts of the body than squamous or basal cell carcinoma.

Symptoms

Although the symptoms of skin cancer vary widely, you should visit a doctor or dermatologist if you experience any of the following:

  • A bleeding spot, or a sore that doesn’t heal
  • A patch of skin that looks different from the skin around it
  • A mole or freckle that changes in appearance, texture, or size

It’s best if you’re familiar with how your skin normally looks so you can spot changes early. That’s where skin cancer checks come in. Here’s what you should know about them.

Why Regular Skin Cancer Checks are Important

Skin cancer checks are important because over 95% of skin cancers are treatable if they’re discovered early enough. What’s more, this includes 90% of melanomas. Regular skin cancer checks are the only way to guarantee early detection.

A dermatologist or doctor can provide a skin cancer check in Sydney for you, or you can perform a self-assessment.

The Procedure

If you see a dermatologist for a skin cancer check in Sydney, they’ll look over your skin and pay close attention to any lesions. They’ll also evaluate your risk of developing skin cancer based on your skin type, your family history, and your behaviour patterns.

The medical professional can then tell you how often you should be checking your skin, and whether they recommend any follow-up procedures.

For skin cancer checks, it’s best that you see a dermatologist. Dermatologists have undergone extra, specific training to ensure that they know all the skin cancer signs to watch out for.

Skin cancer checks are non-invasive. Once you’ve undergone a professional skin health check, you can check your own skin with confidence, because you’ll know what’s normal for you.

Checking Your Own Skin

To check your own skin, follow these simple steps:

  • In good light, undress completely
  • Check your entire body, including the soles of your feet and nail beds
  • Use a mirror to check areas such as your back, or ask a relative or partner to check for you
  • Give your scalp an examination, too

If you’re unsure how to check your skin properly, always ask a dermatologist. Typically, you should be checking your skin at least every three months, or every month if you’re in a high-risk group for melanoma. For low-risk individuals, it may only be necessary to perform a skin check annually, but it’s generally accepted that frequent skin checks are preferred.

Preventing Skin Cancer

While it’s impossible to prevent skin cancer, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing the disease. These are:

  • Wear clothes to cover as much skin as possible
  • Choose tightly woven fabrics that offer better protection against UV radiation
  • Use the highest possible SPF sunscreen (currently SPF50+ in Australia) with broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection. SPF is the ‘Sun Protection Factor’ against UVB which causes most damage. For eg, SPF 50 will provide 50 times the amount of time without sun damage, compared to not using sunscreen.
  • Apply enough sunscreen –Ensure that any skin that will be exposed to the sun is covered in sunscreen. A good guide is the ‘7 teaspoon’ rule –one teaspoon for each limb, one teaspoon each for your front and back of your torso, and half a teaspoon each for your face and neck.
  • Re-apply regularly – about every 2 hours, or more frequently if swimming or exercising.
  • Wear hats that cover the neck and ears
  • Wear sunglasses that fit close to the face
  • Sit in the shade

What to Do if You’re Worried About Skin Cancer in Sydney

If you’re worried about skin cancer, the best thing to do is to consult a dermatologist. They can check over your skin and give you skin health advice. If they spot any alarming symptoms, they can investigate and go over treatment options with you.

Never delay checking out a potential cancerous change to your skin. Like many illnesses, early detection is key to beating skin cancer. The earlier skin cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat. When combined with lifestyle changes, early detection can also reduce the risk of skin cancer recurrence.

If you are worried about your skin, need advice on how to better look after your skin, or you need more information about skin cancer checks in Sydney, contact us today.