Advancements in Dermatology Practice in Uganda Dr Malik Ssempereza UNITY SKIN CLINIC ACACIA MALL KISEMENTI KAMWOKYA

UVB DERMATOLOGIC PHOTOTHERAPY ARTIFICIAL SUNLIGHT NARROWBAND UV B LIGHT WAVELENGTH nm Has revolutionarised treatment of several dermatoses over the past 2 decades. There is no more need for patients to travel abroad. First type was UVA, which required administering of oral psoralens, carrying several risks. UVB is the current generation

DERMATOSES TREATED Psoriasis Vitiligo Severe Atopic Dermatitis Cutaneous T cell Lymphoma (Mycosis Fungoides) Alopecia Areata Very helpful alternative in treating HIV patients with dermatoses that would ordinarily have required immunosuppressants.

How Does it work? The mechanism of action of UVB on various skin diseases is probably related to the suppression of major components of cell-mediated immune function. UVB radiation is absorbed by DNA and urocanic acid. It alters antigen-presenting cell activity. In psoriasis, it lowers peripheral natural killer cell activity, lymphocyte proliferation and immunoregulatory cytokine production by Th1 (IL-2, IFN-alpha) and Th2 (IL-10) T-cell populations. Has a high safety profile, can even be used in pregnancy.

Success rates and average number of sessions Psoriasis minimum 24 sessions (3 per week) and 1 per week for maintenance Vitiligo over 150 sessions (2 per week) Mycosis Fungoides complete clearance 24 sessions Other dermatoses range from sessions. We have machines for all sizes and areas, from spot parts to whole body.

Vitiligo UVB Phototherapy has helped several of our patients to regain colour. It is a major psychologically debilitating disease prone to extreme stigma. We provide psychosocial support, in combination with UVB, Oral and topical treatments. Repigmentation of more than 80% in all cases. Hands and feet are always the hardest to recover but I perform Melanocyte punch graft transplants and CO2 fractional laser for those parts, which have a good outcome.

Other innovative dermatology services at UNITY SKIN CLINIC CO 2 ablative and fractional laser, ideal for fitzpatrick type 6 skin colour (African skin) Used to treat several dermatoses (Dermatosis papulosa Nigra, syringomas, Scars, Molluscum contagiosum, Condylomata Acuminata, Pyogenic Granuloma etc) No bleeding, no scarring, no downtime or post surgery care (even wound dressing very rarely needed) Hair transplant surgery (Hair follicle Graft Transfer) Dermatopathology and Dermoscopy (Skin cancer screening)