Ultraviolet therapy

Ash began UV phototherapy treatment for his eczema flare-up today. The doctor feels that 2 weeks of it will visibly clear the eczema, which right now is severe on the face and scalp and leave them cracked, weeping and scaling endlessly. She sent him into a UV chamber with goggles and his briefs on. It hardly takes 2-3 minutes, and he looked a little better than when the doctor clicked his pictures in her room before the therapy. He will probably be an interesting case study for them when they hold conferences and workshops!

Well, the treatment is at SMF under Dr. Sarveshwari, a dermatologist who studied under Dr. Patrick. Our plans for an emergency appointment yesterday with Dr. Patrick did not work out, since the doctor is a man with many other engagements and meetings. Ash's condition was the pits, so I tried Dr. Maya Vedamurthy who a few folks vouched was an excellent dermatologist. She is unavailable till next Wednesday.

And with Ash shivering and his teeth jabbering the moment we wet his skin a bit before applying the emollient, V decided to check with his peadiatrician at SMF. Dr. Thomas suggested that we meet Dr. Sarveshwari, and if need be, admit him in the children's hospital on Monday which right now is overflowing with in-patients.

Dr. Sar saw him at her clinic yesterday night and said that the situation can be redeemed only by phototherapy for 2 weeks. If he gets no better, he has to take steroid shots. UV therapy is safe for children and pregnant women, she said. Unlike direct exposure to sunlight, which has many harmful rays other than ultraviolet, this is a safe treatment option for severe eczema.

Ash followed instructions and handled the therapy well. He did not mind being shut in the chamber and the room encasing it. It needs to be done every alternate day. Hopefully he can resume school after a week.