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Phototherapy cabinets shine healing power of
light
Photograph by Patrick Trollope.
THEY may look like sunbeds, but these
are new phototherapy cabinets which heal rather than tan the skin. Southport and
Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust has installed the cutting edge equipment at its
Dermatology unit in Ormskirk. The walk in cabinets emit UVB rays which help
patients with skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. The unit, which sees
around 20,000 patients a year, underwent refurbishment over summer and the new
cabinets are already proving popular with patients. Staff nurse Lauren Penn
said:- "We are one of the 1st trusts in the UK to get these new
phototherapy cabinets. The UVB rays heal a variety of skin conditions. They
penetrate the skin and heal from the inside out. We have already seen an
improvement in skin conditions for patients who are using the new cabinets."
The amount of time patients can spend inside is strictly monitored. It can range
from 25 seconds to five minutes. Ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy uses a
wavelength of light that is invisible to human eyes. Dermatologist Dr
Aamir Memon added:- "We strive to offer the very best dermatology care to
our patients. We want to become a centre of excellence for psoriasis in the
North West. By replacing old phototherapy machines with state of the art
equipment, we have moved a step closer to this aim. Apart from psoriasis,
phototherapy is an option for patients with numerous conditions such as eczema,
acne, generalised itching, and other inflammatory conditions."
Dermatology at Ormskirk hospital also treats people who suffer from acne and
oversees minor skin surgery, allergy skin patching and photodynamic therapy. The
team also carries out skin cancer reviews.
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