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Questions & Answers on UV-Phototherapy

The following FAQs provide first practical guidance to interested patients and users. They neither replace information or support by a medical professional nor the comprehensive instructions contained in the associated user manuals for our devices.

How dangerous is UV-Radiation?

The strength of UV-radiation in Phototherapy is significantly higher than that of natural sun light. This is quite intentional in order to achieve the required therapeutic effect in a short span of time acceptable for the patient. Incorrect use can – depending on your skin type – result in UV-typical risks and side effects,

An excessive dose of UV radiation can - with a time delay of a few hours following the exposure – result in a sunburn (erythema) in every conceivable form. Cumulative and excessive UV-radiation can promote the development of skin cancer.

How can I minimize risks and side effects?

Always protect your eyes and your healthy skin. Always wear UV-protective goggles during treatment. Moreover, healthy skin should always be covered with clothing or sunscreen with a high sun protection factor.

Always start your series of treatments with a low dose or short duration and increase them gradually only if you do not detect any symptoms of a sunburn.

Keep a personal patient diary and record all individual therapies with regard to parts of the body being treated and at which doses. It will hep you find your individual dose and adjust it for your specific needs.

When should UV therapy not be used?

The following contraindications must be observed for UV therapy:
•  tumorous skin changes
•  Abnormal sensitivity of the skin to light, e.g. Xeroderma Pigmentosum
•  Porphyria disorders
•  Florid Tuberculosis or other active processes
•  Hyperthyroidism
•  Lupus Erythematosus
•  Accompanying medicinal treatment with potential skin damage

Which side effects can occur?

Erythema (sunburn) and dryness of the skin are known side effects of UV therapy.

What can I do to achieve maximum efficiency in the shortest possible treatment time?

You can increase the efficiency of UV-radiation by carefully removing scales prior to starting the treatment and moisten the skin. Also, clean your skin from any cremes and cosmetics you might have applied.

How frequently and how long do I have to use the unit?

A therapy consists of individual sessions, each lasting only a few minutes, which are to be repeated 3 to 5 times per week. Depending on the degree of severity of the condition, 20 to 25 sessions should be sufficient for the skin condition to subside.

Does UV-radiation have healing or only soothing properties?

UV-radiation has a merely soothing effect which, however, allows skin lesions to heal. In the course of a reduced maintenance therapy, it is feasible in most cases to maintain this improved status, as long as excessive cumulative UV-levels can be excluded.

Can the efficacy of the Saalux® UV-comb diminish after extended use? 

The service life of the UV lamp is technically limited which means its efficacy can actually diminish after extended use. Should you get the impression that this is true for your unit, you may contact us to have it tested and the lamp replaced, if required.

Can I forego the use of the comb attachment for poorly accessible parts of the body?

No, as the two external rows of combs do not only serve for parting hair but also also hold the device at a fixed distance off the skin. This is the only way to really control the UV-dose applied in a therapy session. Moreover, if the distance changes, over time the dose is no longer predictable, resulting in an increased risik to have applied either too little or too much UV-radiation locally.

What cost will the health insurance cover?

Unfortunately, there is no regulated entitlement for payment by the health insurances. By submitting a prescription from your attending physician you can turn to your health insurance and apply for cost coverage. Alternatively, you can purchase the unit at your own expense from us as manufacturer. 

What is the physician‘s role if I purchase the unit myself and apply it in home therapy?

All information contained on our site as well as in the user manuals does not replace the medical professional diagnosis and therapy monitoring. The physician ensures that the disease is correctly diagnosed and the causes are correctly associated. Moreover, the physician selects from the multitude of possible therapies available today the one suitable for the according patient and monitors his or her therapeutic success.