PHOTOTHERAPY UNIT

It is a treatment method where certain wavelengths of ultraviolet rays (UVB) are used. These rays are also contained within the sunlight.

Studies show that this method is used in treatment of mainly psoriasis, vitiligo, eczema, chronic itching, and many skin diseases and it is useful.

With thistreatment, your disease may not disappear completely, but an advanced level ofimprovement can be achieved in the findings of the disease, new lesionformation is reduced and the area with a certain improvement can be controlled.You can have a healthy life thanks to the treatment. Usually, treatment isfinished when recovery is achieved. Sometimes treatments can be applied tocontinue treatment with ever decreasing frequency.

Since the total duration of treatment can vary from patient to patient, our responsible doctor will inform you about the average time required to treat your disease. Your treatment program will be planned according to the extent of your illness, your social status and the intensity of the patient in the unit.

As treatment sessions begin with a few seconds of light exposure, treatment times are gradually increased with each session taking into account various criteria such as redness and itching.

Treatment will be done in a closed cabin. Since the cabin door will not be locked, you can leave at any time. During treatment, you should stand in the middle of the cabin so that the UV can be distributed evenly throughout your body.

Before starting treatment, your doctor will ask you about the medications you are using. Please try to tell exactly what your medications are. If there is a change in the medication you are taking or if a new medication has been taken during your treatment, tell your nurse or doctor who is treating you. This is because some drugs cause a reaction on your skin, which can increase its sensitivity and lead to easy reddening.

Treatment creams will be recommended to you if deemed appropriate by your doctor.

• On treatment days, do not use cosmetic products like lotion, cologne, perfume etc. These can increase your skin's sensitivity to light.
• Sunscreen (with a minimum protection factor of 30) should be applied to areas in the sun after the treatment and on days when you are not going to the treatment. The exposed parts of the body with hats and similar clothing should be protected from the sun.
• Care should be taken not to stay in the sun for long periods of time except to come and go to the hospital.
• During treatment, no additional light should be applied like tanning or sunbathing.
• If your face does not have any symptoms that require treatment, you can cover your face with a white towel while inside the cabin.
• Since the genital area is more sensitive to these rays, the genital area should be protected during treatment. For this reason, all male patients should wear protective athletic underwear during treatment and this area should be protected using aluminum foil. This underwear should be the same throughout the entire treatment period. Wearing different types of underwear can facilitate the formation of burns.
• In women patients, the nipples should be closed during treatment.
• During treatment, the mole and scars that your doctor pointed out should be covered with flaster.
• If your whole skin does not need to get light, if you will only receive light treatment for certain areas, please try to wear clothes similar to the one you wore on the day you arrived (for example, if only the arms and legs will remain open, choose your clothes to leave the same places exposed.)
• If you get herpes frequently, apply sunscreen on your lips before treatment.
• If you have long hair, tie back your hair. If your forehead area also needs to get light, you can wear a crown or tape.
• UV light can damage your eyes. As a precaution, UV-protected glasses should be used while inside the cabin. If your eyelids need to see light around your eyes (if there are symptoms in these areas), you can get treatment by talking to your doctor, without glasses, by closing your eyes.
• Cataract or skin cancer patients (including melanoma) should inform the responsible physician.
• You will be examined by the responsible physician for the course of your disease, the effectiveness of the treatment and the side effects during certain intervals during the treatment process, and necessary examinations may be required when deemed appropriate. Your examination will be carried out at the council of the faculty member and the physician in charge of the unit and your treatment process will be re-evaluated.