UV Phototherapy — SUP Lamp

Targeted UV phototherapy using the clinic's SUP lamp and UVA emitter units — medical-grade ultraviolet light devices used as a supportive treatment for a range of chronic inflammatory skin conditions. Non-ionising UV radiation in a controlled clinical dose suppresses the localised immune over-reaction that drives conditions like psoriasis, eczema and vitiligo, reducing inflammation, scaling and itch over a course of sessions. At Dermo Písek both full-body lamp and a specialised hand/foot unit are available, allowing treatment of localised or widespread disease. The clinic holds contracts with major Czech health insurers, meaning the procedure is often covered for eligible patients. Sessions are brief, painless and require no anaesthesia.

UV phototherapy at Dermo Písek is administered using the SUP (selective ultraviolet phototherapy) lamp — a medical-grade device that emits a narrowband spectrum of ultraviolet light, principally in the UVB range — alongside UVA emitter units used for broader-spectrum indications. The treatment is classified as a supportive or complementary therapy in dermatology: it does not cure the underlying condition but reduces symptom burden, prolongs remission and, in many cases, reduces the dose of systemic or topical medication required. The clinical basis for UV phototherapy lies in the immunomodulatory effect of ultraviolet radiation on the skin's immune cells. In chronic inflammatory dermatoses — psoriasis, atopic eczema, lichen planus, pruritus — the local immune response is dysregulated, producing excessive inflammatory mediators that drive the characteristic skin changes. UV light at the correct dose and wavelength suppresses the proliferation of T-lymphocytes in the dermis, reduces the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and induces apoptosis (programmed cell death) in activated immune cells. This interrupts the inflammatory cycle without the systemic side effects of oral immunosuppressants. At Dermo Písek the equipment provides flexibility for different clinical presentations: - The full-body SUP lamp treats widespread psoriasis, diffuse eczema or generalised pruritus in a single standing session - A hand/foot-specific unit targets palmoplantar psoriasis or hand eczema that would require a disproportionately large body-surface exposure to treat with the full lamp Conditions treated: plaque psoriasis (psoriáza), atopic eczema, contact dermatitis, lupus vulgaris, lichen planus, pruritus (generalised itch), vitiligo and acne. Combined with topical or oral medication (PUVA therapy uses UVA with a photosensitising psoralen medication), a wider range of indications becomes accessible. Each session lasts from a few minutes to approximately 15 minutes — duration is individually calculated by the practitioner based on the Minimal Erythema Dose (MED) for that patient's skin type and the treatment week in the programme. Sessions are typically 2–3 times per week. Health insurance coverage: Dermo Písek contracts with VZP, Ministry of Interior, Military, Banking-Insurance-Construction sector and Czech Industrial health funds. UV phototherapy is a reimbursed dermatological procedure for most listed indications — patients with applicable insurance typically pay nothing or a nominal co-pay. Contraindications: history of melanoma or multiple non-melanoma skin cancers, photosensitising medications (certain antibiotics, NSAIDs, diuretics) unless dose-adjusted, certain autoimmune conditions (lupus erythematosus), and pregnancy for extended courses.