Light comb

A light comb , also called a UV comb or psoriasis comb, is a handy device for UV phototherapy of skin diseases . The light comes out through a comb-shaped attachment. The shape of the light comb makes it particularly suitable for treating the scalp and other smaller areas of skin without putting any strain on healthy skin. On the one hand, the comb attachment is used to part the hair so that the UV radiation can reach the scalp. On the other hand, the comb attachment acts as a spacer to the skin in order to ensure a defined and constant radiation intensity.

As a class 2a medical product, the light comb is subject to the approval requirements according to medical product law . In addition to electronic security and mechanical stability, the comb should be light and handy for ergonomic reasons. The comb attachment should be removable so that it can be easily cleaned and, if necessary, disinfected.

Indications and use

Depending on the medical therapy recommendation, the light comb with different UV lamps (UV-A or UV-B) is used for the following indications:

Psoriasis ( psoriasis )
Neurodermatitis (atopic dermatitis)
White spot disease ( Vitiligo )
Dyshidrotic hand eczema
Lichen planus
u. a.

The therapy takes place in several sessions, the radiation duration per session and area depends on the skin type and lasts a few minutes. During the session, protect the eyes with UV protective goggles and the healthy surrounding skin with skin protection products or clothing.

In contrast to PUVA therapy, phototherapy is carried out with a light comb without the use of photosensitizing substances. In contrast, if necessary, pretreatment with a keratolytic (dandruff remover) is useful so that the UV radiation can penetrate unhindered and the number of therapy sessions can be minimized.

The light comb is listed under product group 06 in the medical aids catalog of the statutory health insurances, so that the costs are usually covered by the health insurances if a medical prescription is given.

Individual evidence

↑ ^a ^b M. Berneburg et al .: S1 guideline on UV phototherapy and photochemotherapy . In: AWMF guidelines register . No. 013-029 . Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany e. V., August 2015.
↑ Viktoria Eleftheriadou et al .: Feasibility, double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled, multi-center trial of hand-held NB-UVB phototherapy for the treatment of vitiligo at home . In: Trials . tape 15 , 2014, p. 51 .
↑ Joseph Bikowski al et .: An Update on At-Home UVB Phototherapy . In: Practical Dermatology . June 2011, p. 46-50 .
^ Bridgit V. Nolan et al .: A review of home phototherapy for psoriasis . In: Dermatology Online Journal . volume 16, no. February 2 , 2010.

↑ Matthias Augustin et al .: Patient guidelines for the treatment of psoriasis of the skin . In: German Psoriasis Bund e. V. (Ed.): AWMF Register . 3. Edition. No. 013-001 , 2013.

[Berneburg-1] M. Berneburg et al .: S1 guideline on UV phototherapy and photochemotherapy . In: AWMF guidelines register . No. 013-029 . Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany e. V., August 2015.

[2] Viktoria Eleftheriadou et al .: Feasibility, double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled, multi-center trial of hand-held NB-UVB phototherapy for the treatment of vitiligo at home . In: Trials . tape 15 , 2014, p. 51 .

[3] Joseph Bikowski al et .: An Update on At-Home UVB Phototherapy . In: Practical Dermatology . June 2011, p. 46-50 .

[4] Bridgit V. Nolan et al .: A review of home phototherapy for psoriasis . In: Dermatology Online Journal . volume 16, no. February 2 , 2010.

[5] Matthias Augustin et al .: Patient guidelines for the treatment of psoriasis of the skin . In: German Psoriasis Bund e. V. (Ed.): AWMF Register . 3. Edition. No. 013-001 , 2013.