Choosing the "Right" Model

     To choose the right model for the treatment of your skin disorder, you need to consider which unit will be best suited for your particular circumstances, and whether you and your physician prefer Narrow Band or Broad Band phototherapy.

Model 2400: 24 ½ inches effective exposure width.

The Model 2400 is a six foot tall high output 4 lamp unit that offers good half-body coverage for a modest price. Although this model may require a front, back and right side/left side exposure for larger patients with skin disorders covering their entire body, the unit is powerful enough to keep the treatment time reasonably short. All four sides can be exposed the same day without worry of overlap problems. The relative compact size, yet high output allows installation in a limited space without sacrificing treatment versatility.

Model 2600: 36 ½ inches effective exposure width.

The Model 2600 is a six foot tall high output 6 lamp unit that offers high power and full half-body coverage for most individuals of average size. This model folds for storage.

Model 2800: 43 ¾ inches effective exposure width - expandable to 56 ¼ inches.

The Model 2800 is a six foot tall high output 8 lamp unit that has the widest coverage and greatest power available of our units. Designed with the physician's clinic in mind, no matter how large the patient is, this unit provides half-body coverage in the least amount of time. The larger patient will require the same exposure time as a smaller person in the Model 2600. This model folds to almost half size for storage.

Narrow Band or Broad Band UVB?

     This is an important question that you should discuss with your dermatologist. The Broad Band UVB technology dates back to the early 1920's, when Dr. Goeckerman, at the Mayo Clinic, pioneered this very effective form of phototherapy for psoriasis. The Richmond Light Company has been supplying units using these lamps since 1978.

     Narrow Band UVB phototherapy had its origin in Europe, where Dr. H. van Weelden and his colleagues determined that a "narrowband" lamp, now known as the Philips TL100W/01 lamp with a very narrow spectrum peaking between 311 nm and 313 nm, was more effective than the "broadband" Philips TL-12 lamp. This therapy became available in the USA in the mid 1990's. Several treatment protocols have been used, all of which have been effective. The most daunting problem has been to determine just how much light is necessary, and what the timetable and level of increase in exposure should be. The difference between "just right" and "too much" increase is very narrow. Several dermatology centers have adopted a conservative protocol (published by Joan Shelk and Pamela Morgan) similar to that recommended by The Richmond Light Company for use with our new S2000 series. A number of dermatologist groups have gone exclusively to Narrow Band UVB phototherapy to replace both PUVA (psorolen plus UVA) and Broad Band UVB.

     You and your dermatologist must decide which is better for your skin disorder.

The Richmond Light Company has the right Light Source to treat your psoriasis or other phototherapy treatable skin disorder.

Pertinent references

Psoriasis

W. H. Goeckerman, (1925) The treatment of psoriasis. Northwest Med 24, 229-231.

W.P. Jordan, A.M. Clarke, R.K. Hale, (1981) Long-term modified Goeckerman regimen for psoriasis using an ultraviolet B light source in the home. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 4, 584-591.

H. van Weelden, Baart de la Faille, H. Young, J.C. van der Leun, (1988) A new development in UV-B phototherapy of psoriasis. British Journal of Dermatology 119, 11-19.

I. B. Walters, L.H. Burack, T.R. Coven, P Gilleaudeau, J.G. Krueger, (1999) Suberytemogenic narrow band UVB is markedly more effective than conventional UVB in treatment of psoriasis vulgaris. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 40, 893-900.

J. Shelk, P. Morgan, (2000) Narrow band UVB: A practical approach. Dermatology Nursing 12, 407-411.

Vitiligo

L. Scherschun, J.J. Kim, H.W. Lim, (2001) Narrow band ultraviolet B is a useful and well-tolerated treatment for vitiligo. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 44, 999-1003.

Mycosis Fungoides

C. Clark, R.S. Dawe, A.T. Evans, G. Lowe, J. Ferguson, (2000) Narrowband TL-01 phototherapy for patch-stage mycosis fungoides. Archives of Dermatology 136, 748-752.