1. Ultraviolet Therapy Jennifer L. Doherty-Restrepo, MS, ATC, LAT
Entry-Level Master Athletic Training
Education Program
PET 4995: Therapeutic Modalities

2. Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR)
Electromagnetic spectrum (2000 to 4000 Å)
Divided into three ranges:
UV-A = Near UV (3200 to 4000 Å)
Little or no physiologic effect
UV-B = Middle UV (2900 to 3200 Å)
Sunburn and age-related skin changes
UV-C = Far UV (2000 to 2900 Å)
Bactericidal

3. Ultraviolet Radiation
Most likely to be used
UV-B or UV-C
UVR depth of penetration is 1 to 2 mm
Physiologic effects are superficial
Used to treat various skin disorders

4. Effect on Cells UVR causes chemical excitation of cells
Results in alteration of cell biochemistry and cellular metabolism
Affects synthesis of DNA and RNA
Protein and enzyme production is altered, which may result in cell death

5. Effects on Skin Epidermis Dermis
Keratinocytes, which provide fibrous protective protein of skin
Dermis
Papillary layer - rich blood supply
Reticular layer - heavy connective tissue containing fibroblasts, histocytes, and mast cells

6. Effects on Skin: Erythema
Generalized response to UVR exposure
Reddening of skin
Acute inflammatory reaction
End results:
Erythema - sunburn
Pigmentation - tanning
Increased epidermal thickness

7. Effects on Skin: Photosensitization
Process in which a person becomes overly sensitive to UVR
Acute effects of UVR exposure may be exacerbated if certain chemicals or medications are present on skin (or in body)

8. Effects on Skin: Tanning
Increase of pigmentation
Protective mechanism activated by UVR exposure
Increase of melanin
Pigment responsible for darkening skin
Melanin functions as a biologic filter of UVR
By scattering radiation
By absorbing UVR
By dissipating absorbed energy as heat

9. Effects on Skin: Tanning
Artificial Tanning - manufacturers claim tanning beds produce only UV-A
Production of UV-A is largely unregulated
Effects of long-term exposure to UV-A are unknown

10. Effects on Skin: Long-term
Premature aging of the skin
Dryness, cracking, and decreased elasticity
Linked to UVR-induced DNA damage
Skin cancer
Most common malignant tumor found in humans
Basal cell carcinoma (rarely metastasizes)
Squamous cell carcinoma (metastasizes in 5%)
Malignant melanoma (usually metastasizes)
Damage to DNA suspected as cause
Rate of cure exceeds 95% with early detection

11. Effects on Eyes
UVR exposure causes acute inflammation called photokeratitis
Delayed reaction, occurs within hours
Signs/Symptoms:
Conjunctivitis accompanied by erythema of adjacent facial skin
Sensation of a foreign body on eye
Photophobia
Increased tear production
Spasm of the ocular muscles

12. Systemic Effects Photosynthesis of vitamin D
Following exposure to UVR in UV-B range
May be used to treat Ca++ and phosphorus disorders
Rickets and tetany
Treatment of choice; however, is dietary supplementation

13. Ultraviolet Generators
Carbon arc lamp
Xenon compact arc lamp
Fluorescent ultraviolet lamp (black light)
Mercury arc lamp
Most commonly used in sports medicine

14. Mercury Arc Lamp Mercury contained in a quartz envelope
Heavy metal in a liquid state
At 8000°C, mercury atoms vaporize and become incandescent
Emit ultraviolet, infrared, and visible light

15. Mercury Arc Lamp High-pressure lamp = “Hot” lamp
UVR produced falls within UV-B range
Mainly used to produce erythema and accompanying photochemical reactions

16. Mercury Arc Lamp Low-pressure = “Cold” lamp UVR between 1849 - 2537 Å
Does not require warm-up or cool-down
Used mainly for bactericidal effect

17. Mercury Arc Lamp Positioning
Apply cosine law and inverse square law
Distance of lamp must be kept constant if intensity of treatments is to be equal
Standardized at each clinic
Usually ranges between inches

18. Techniques of Application
Minimal Erythemal Dose (MED)
Exposure time needed to produce a faint erythema of the skin 24 hours after exposure
Question patient regarding photosensitizing drugs

19. Minimal Erythemal Dose
Patient draped only exposing test site
Height of lamp adjusted to same level as Tx
Paper with five cutouts (1” square) 1” apart placed over test site
Shutters are opened and cutouts exposed at 15-sec intervals

20. Minimal Erythemal Dose
Visual inspection after 24 hours to determine MED
No erythema = suberythemal dose
Erythema still present at 48 hours
1st degree erythemal dose (2.5 times MED)
Erythema persists from hours
2nd degree erythemal dose (5 times MED)
Erythema lasting past 72 hours
3rd degree erythemal dose

21. Minimal Erythemal Dose
Skin adapts to UVR exposure, therefore, MED will gradually increase with repeated treatments
Must gradually increase exposure time to achieve the same reaction
Increased by 5 seconds per treatment
Height of lamp remains constant

22. Clinical Applications
Dermatologic conditions
Psoriasis, acne, and hard to cure infectious skin conditions such as pressure sores
Development of oral and topical medications has greatly reduced the use of ultraviolet

23. Indications Acne Aseptic wounds Folliculitis Pityriasis rosea
Tinea capitum
Septic wounds
Sinusitis
Psoriasis
Pressure sores
Osteomalacia
Diagnosis of skin disorders
Increased vitamin D production
Sterilization
Tanning
Hyperplasia

24. Contraindications Porphyrias Pellagra Lupus erythematosus Sarcoidosis
Xeroderma pigmentosum
Acute psoriasis
Acute eczema
Herpes simplex
Renal and hepatic insufficiencies
Diabetes
Hyperthyroidism
Generalized dermatitis
Advanced arteriosclerosis
Active and progressive pulmonary tuberculosis