The Methodist Hospital System. Leading Medicine
The Methodist Hospital System. Leading Medicine

Dermatology Therapeutics

What does Daycare treat?

  • Psoriasis
  • Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)
  • Dermatitis
  • Pityriasis Rubra Polaris (PRP)
  • Pruitis

Why Daycare?

  • To control psoriasis as well as other skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis (eczema), lichen planus, PRP, pruitus, and photosensitive disorders and place them in remission in a reasonable length of time as an outpatient rather than as an admitted patient;
  • To educate the patient to manage their skin condition; and
  • To give the patient an understanding, restful, and empathetic environment. Our center offers "day care" therapy as a personal, intensive out-patient care. We offer a variety of treatment options that are tailored to each individual's skin care needs. Together, we strive to make a difference in the quality of your life.

Individualized Plan of Care

The total well-being of our patients is important to us in the Dermatology Therapeutics Center. A comprehensive care plan is designed to assist patients in optimizing their emotional and physical health

At the Center, patients learn about their skin problems and how best to manage them. The Center provides a relaxed and caring environment in which patients can share information and support each other. The staff always has an ear to listen with teaching and encouragement to offer. The skin is a mirror reflecting our inner being, our feelings. When our emotional life is complicated, the inner turmoil is often expressed through the skin. Conversely severe skin diseases may themselves be the source of great emotional stress.

The length of an outpatient treatment can vary from a short visit for ultraviolet light therapy to full day treatment (6 hours) and can last from one to four weeks. In very severe cases patients may require hospitalization and will be admitted to The Methodist Hospital or Texas Children's Hospital. Both are conveniently connected to Smith Tower by a series of crosswalks and tunnels. Admission is rare.

Daycare Treatments

Therapeutic Baths - Consists of a 20 minute soak in water with oatmeal and tar.

UVB Therapy - Given in private room in standup box for total body therapy. RN is always present.

Ointment Applications - Steroid, emollient and moisturizing ointments and cremes applied to skin.

Compresses - Warm moist compresses for 20 minutes.

Scalp Treatments - Tar shampoo and topical steroid application.

Recliner Rest - Three hours rest between baths while ointments soak in.

All treatments are specially tailored for each patient by a physician, who sees the patient three times a week.

A registered nurse evaluates each patient daily and all the staff are highly trained for this multidisciplinary form of treatment.