What is UVA1?

What is UVA1?

Ultraviolet A1 (UVA1) is a form of phototherapy that uses only the longer, nonerythemogenic UV wavelengths (340 to 400 nm), thus reducing the risk of sunburn reactions associated with the shorter-wavelength UVA2 (320 to 340 nm) and UVB (290 to 320 nm).

Can scleroderma be cured?

Currently, there’s no cure for scleroderma, so doctors will find the treatments that work best to decrease the severity of the specific symptoms and manage or prevent additional complications.

What is the best treatment for localized scleroderma?

They include:

• Medicated creams. Your doctor may prescribe a vitamin D cream, such as calcipotriene, to help soften the skin patches.
• Light therapy. For severe or widespread morphea, treatment may include the use of ultraviolet light (phototherapy).
• Oral medications.
• Physical therapy.

Does phototherapy help scleroderma?

Recently, phototherapy has been extensively studied and found to be effective in treating scleroderma. Initially psoralen + ultraviolet A (PUVA) significantly enriched the therapeutic panel, but more recently ultraviolet A1 (UVA1) is seen to replace PUVA therapy.

What are long UVA1 rays?

UVA rays can be further divided into the shorter UVA2 rays and the longer UVA1 rays. UVC rays, the shortest rays, are completely absorbed by the ozone layer, whereas UVB rays penetrate the epidermis and UVA rays, the longest rays, penetrate into the dermis.

How do you reverse scleroderma?

There is no cure for scleroderma. Medications can treat symptoms and prevent complications. Making changes to your lifestyle and diet can make living with the disease easier.

How do you treat scleroderma naturally?

Lifestyle

1. Eat small, frequent meals to reduce heartburn or gas.
2. Exercise to help keep skin and joints flexible.
3. DO NOT smoke (nicotine makes scleroderma worse).
4. Avoid exposure to cold and stress, which can affect circulation.
5. Use soothing skin creams to reduce pain, swelling, and stiffness.

Is red light therapy good for scleroderma?

Light therapy delivered locally using a lamp that emits infrared, red and ultraviolet light reduced by 83 percent the burden of digital ulcers in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients, a new study reports.

Does zinc oxide protect against uva1?

Inorganic, or physical sunscreens contain metal oxides such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that reflect and scatter UV light. Zinc oxide provides better UVA protection than titanium dioxide, including protection against UVA 1 (340-400 nm), but it is less efficient than titanium against UVB radiation.