ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION (UVR) THERAPY

WHAT IS ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION (UVR)

Ultraviolet radiation is defined as one of the electromagnetic energy radiation in the electromagnetic spectrum which lies between visible and X-ray radiations with wavelength range of 10nm to 400nm.

WHAT IS ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION THERAPY

Ultraviolet radiation therapy is the application of artificial ultraviolet radiation by using various ultraviolet radiation designed devices for various therapeutic purpose. however, sometimes natural ultraviolet radiation from sun can be used like in Heliotherapy.

TYPES OF ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION

      Types    Wavelength range  Penetration

(1) UVA - 400nm to 315nm  -  Upto dermis

(2) UVB - 315nm to 280nm  -  Deep epidermis 

(3) UVC - 280nm to 100nm  -  Superficial epidermis

PRODUCTION OF ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION

The ultimate source of ultraviolet radiation is the sun, meanwhile ultraviolet radiation can be produced artificially by the passage of electric current through an ionized vapor especially mercury vapors. 

ULTRAVIOLET GENERATORS

There are three main ultraviolet generators which include the following:

(1) High pressure mercury-vapor burner

(2) Kromayer lamp (medium or low pressure mercury-vapor burner)

(3) Different fluorescent tubes for UV production

PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION

(1) ERYTHEMA FORMATION: this is the reddening of the skin. 

there are (four) degree of reddening of the skin is used to determine the amount of treatment dosage to be used during ultraviolet therapy.

Degree of Erythema doses (E - doses)

     Doses          Appearance      Approx. duration           

(1) E1 dose ___ Slightly pink  ______  24hrs

(2) E2 dose ___ Exact pink-red  _____ 2 days

(3) E3 dose ___ Very red   _________ 3 to 5 days

(4) E4 dose ___ Very red with pain  __ 1 week

(2) PRODUCTION OF VITAMIN D: When UV rays applied on the skin there will be presence of UV rays and 7- dehydro-cholesterol in the sebum which will be converted to vitamin D in the skin.

(3) EFFECTS ON THE EYES: Exposure of ultraviolet rays over the eyes for long time or many times to strong UVB or UVC radiations can cause photokeratitis and conjunctivitis. It can also cause cataract which will lead to complete or partial loss of eye lens.

(4) CARCINOGENESIS: Exposure to UVB or UVC for long period of time can have effect on the DNA in the cells and can cause abnormal cell proliferation which will lead to cause skin cancer.

(5) SOLAR ELASTOSIS AND AGEING: To much exposure to UV radiations especially UVB and UVC can accelerate  the normal ageing process of the skin which will lead to thinning of the epidermis, loss of melanocytes, loss of epidermal ridges as a result of poor function of the sweat gland, sebaceous gland and wrinkling from the lack of dermal connective tissue.

(6) THICKENING OF THE EPIDERMIS: UV radiations can lead to the rapid growing of the skin as a result of provoke of uncaused keratinocyte turnover.

INDICATIONS OF ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION THERAPY

Ultraviolet radiation therapy is mainly used for the treatment of skin diseases:

(1) Acne

(2) Psoriasis

(3) Skin wounds such as pressure sore, skin ulcer

(4) Alopecia 

(5) Vitiligo 

(6) Atopic eczema

(7) Vitamin D deficiency

PUVA THERAPY

PUVA Therapy is the use of psoralens - sensitizer drug to use specific fluorescent tube to produce only ultraviolet radiation A (UVA) for the treatment of psoriasis.

CONTRAINDICATIONS OF ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION THERAPY

 (1) Dermatological conditions: Acute eczema, erythema e.t.c can be exacerbated by UVR.

(2) Hypersensitivity to sunlight

(3) Deep X-ray therapy: After deep X-ray therapy UV therapy is contraindicated within the preceding three months.

(4) After recent Infrared therapy

(5) Photo allergy

(6) Over malignant or tumors

DANGERS OF ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION 

THERAPY

(1) Damage to eyes

(2) Over dose: common mistakes which can lead to overdose include the following: 

  • Too close to lamp 
  • Too long exposure 
  • Change of sensitizer drug
  • Change of lamp
  • Poor timing technique




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