Richard Gleeson
Northern News Services

NNSL (May 28/99) - It looks something like the transporter used by Star Trek characters to instantly beam themselves from place to place. For those who use it, the effect is just about as dramatic.

The Ultralight unit, as the machine is known, is the latest addition to NWT health care arsenal and the centrepiece of the new Stanton Ultraviolet Therapy Clinic.

"It's been amazing," said patient Ginny Wainwright of her ultraviolet light treatment. Wainwright suffers from eczema. "I used to not be able to sleep because of the scratching at night and I haven't had an episode like that since I started treatment."

Though it's been in use since Feb. 21, the light therapy machine was unveiled last Friday at the official opening of the clinic. Part of the Stanton Medical Centre, the clinic is located on Byrne Road.

Patients with skin disorders such as psoriasis and eczema take psoralen tablets, which makes their skin more sensitive to ultraviolet light, in conjunction with the light treatments. On average, it takes 20 treatments of 10 minutes each to reduce the symptoms of skin diseases. The treatment is not a cure.

For those suffering from acute cases of skin disease, with the physical healing comes emotional healing. Hiding the unsightly marks of the disease is a burden sufferers bear every day.

The emotional relief was evident in the voice, breaking with emotion, of patient Melody Falconer as she addressed those gathered for the opening.

Falconer has coped with psoriasis for the past 16 years. Before being cleared up at the Stanton clinic earlier this year, it covered 70 per cent of her body.

"It sounds a little dramatic to people when I say it, but it has changed my life," said Falconer. "I went on a shopping spree (after the treatment) buying clothes.

"Now it's 'Wow, I can wear that!' where it used to be a case of, 'Hmm, I really like that, but I could never wear it because it would just expose too much skin.'"

Falconer received a different kind of light treatment, which was less effective, in Alberta before the Stanton clinic was established.

In addition to sparing patients the disruption of having to travel to Edmonton for treatment, the Ultralight unit has already more than paid for itself.

Initial cost of the machine was $35,000. A full course of treatment in the south costs approximately $7,500. The clinic is currently serving 17 patients.