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.

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.