Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ section of Photonet website.

Based on the questions asked by phototherapy staff we have created this resource – please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have questions which require clarification/specialist input (nss.photonet@nhs.scot)

Disclaimer:

The Frequently Asked Questions section is not intended to be construed or to serve as a standard of care. Standards of care are determined on the basis of all clinical data available for an individual case and are subject to change as scientific knowledge and technology advance and patterns of care evolve. Adherence to material below will not ensure a successful outcome in every case, nor should they be construed as including all proper methods of care or excluding other acceptable methods of care aimed at the same results. The ultimate judgement must be made by the appropriate healthcare professional(s) responsible for clinical decisions regarding a particular clinical procedure or treatment plan. This judgement should only be arrived at following discussion of the options with the patient, covering the diagnostic and treatment choices available. It is advised, however, that significant departures from the national guideline or any local guidelines derived from it should be fully documented in the patient’s case notes at the time the relevant decision is taken.

Q1: How is the dosage calculated for 5-Methoxypsoralen (5-MOP)?

Q2: Can oral Psoralen + UVA (PUVA) be used to treat a child with morphoea?

Q3: How long should oral PUVA continue for Alopecia Areata once there is hair regrowth?

Q4: How do you treat solar urticaria patients with ultraviolet phototherapy? Is it the same protocol as for Polymorphic Light Eruption (PLE) or is it more cautious?

Q5: Which method for administering psoralen for Hand and Foot PUVA (gel, soaks or oral) is best?

Q6: How do you treat Erythropoietic Protoporphyria (EPP) patients with ultraviolet phototherapy?

Q7: Why are ceiling tiles above some cabinets white and some are black?

Q8: Since whole body phototherapy machines have bulbs on 4 sides, does that prevent any shadows that would usually be caused by one sided light?

Q9: When to stop pro topic before UV exposure?

Q10: What is the etymology of “psor” in psoriasis and psoralen?

Q11: If a patient has skin type V and is receiving hand and foot PUVA, would you limit the dose? And what about UVB?

Q12: What advice should we give to patients regarding the use of sunscreen on the day of phototherapy prior to treatment?