Many patients may worry that they have never undergone phototherapy before, or have only received it in a hospital setting, fearing they might not perform it correctly!In reality, as long as you master the correct method and pay attention to pre- and post-treatment care, home phototherapy is not as complicated as people imagine!
Based on the skin types of Chinese individuals and our treatment experience, home phototherapy should follow the same frequency as hospital phototherapy: 2-3 treatments per week. For the first exposure, the dosage is generally 200mJ/cm² for vitiligo and 300mJ/cm² for psoriasis.Observe skin condition 8-24 hours after each session to adjust subsequent treatment doses accordingly.
Additionally, here are some tips to ensure optimal phototherapy outcomes:
1. Personalized Treatment Plans Are Key
Individualized therapy is crucial! Phototherapy regimens vary based on disease type, skin tone, and affected areas. Therefore, doctors tailor plans for each patient, leading to differences in efficacy and time to results.Patients should never blindly follow others' treatment regimens, as this may lead to poor outcomes or even increased adverse reactions. Additionally, patients should schedule regular follow-up appointments at the hospital to adjust treatment plans promptly based on changes in their condition. 2. Proper Use of Phototherapy Devices Before using a phototherapy device, carefully read the instruction manual and become proficient in operating the home phototherapy unit. Set the treatment dose or duration according to your prescribed regimen.Note that the intensity of fluorescent tube phototherapy devices diminishes over time. Therefore, have the device calibrated by the manufacturer and replace the tubes regularly as specified in the manual.Apply mineral oil to dry, hyperkeratotic lesions (e.g., elbows, knees) to enhance light penetration. When treating lesions around the eyes or eyebrows, wear protective eyewear during exposure. Cover genital areas during exposure if lesions are present there. If lesions are near the areola, ensure this area is shielded during treatment.
4. Prioritize Post-Treatment Care
Post-treatment care is equally vital! After each session, apply moisturizer to prevent dryness and itching. If severe adverse reactions occur—such as burns or blisters—immediately discontinue phototherapy and seek medical attention.
5. Develop a Habit of Detailed Record-Keeping
Thoroughly document each phototherapy session's duration, dosage, treatment area, and post-treatment reactions. This aids in accurately determining subsequent dosages and facilitates treatment plan adjustments during follow-up visits.
6. Appropriate Dietary Restrictions
Crucially, dietary restrictions are necessary during phototherapy! Specifically, avoid photosensitizing medications and limit consumption of photosensitizing foods.Common photosensitizing medications include sulfonamides, hypoglycemic agents, tetracyclines, griseofulvin, salicylates, and certain Chinese herbs like Schizonepeta, Saposhnikovia, Codonopsis, Angelica dahurica, and Psoralea. Common photosensitizing foods include lettuce, celery, mustard greens, mangoes, and pineapples—consume these sparingly.
7. Schedule regular follow-up appointments and maintain communication with your doctor
This final point is crucial! Seek immediate medical attention if your condition worsens, you experience adverse reactions to treatment, or your medication regimen changes. Even if everything remains stable, it is essential to schedule follow-up appointments every 1-3 months. Never skip appointments due to inconvenience! Additionally, maintain consistent communication with your doctor. To ensure your doctor has a thorough understanding of your condition, it is best to see the same physician for each visit.
Founded in 1992, Shanghai Sigma High-Tech Co., Ltd. is a medical instrument company specializing in the R&D and production of phototherapy products in China. For over two decades, guided by the mission of "Advancing Photomedicine Technology to Serve Humanity," the company has transformed proven photomedicine methods into medical products through technological innovation. Strictly adhering to the requirements for medical devices to be safe, reliable, and effective, it has established a high-standard production quality management system.
Shanghai Sigma High-Tech Co., Ltd. has developed multiple series of professional phototherapy products for hospitals, including full-body, half-body, and localized units, as well as photomedicine diagnostic products such as sunlight ultraviolet simulators and Wood's lamps. These products meet the diverse phototherapy needs of dermatology departments across various disease types and treatment levels.Simultaneously, Sigma pioneered the development of China's first home-use portable phototherapy device, the SS-01, which received regulatory approval from the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). This product remains a classic, consistently popular home phototherapy solution in the domestic market. Building upon this foundation, the newly developed SH series further expands the home phototherapy product line, offering patients more tailored options based on their specific symptoms and treatment needs.
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