Phototherapy (Light Therapy)

Phototherapy (Light Therapy)

Phototherapy, also known as light therapy, is a type of medical treatment that involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet (UV) light in a controlled environment. It is used to treat a variety of skin conditions, including psoriasis, vitiligo, eczema, and other inflammatory skin disorders. 

How does phototherapy work?

The procedure works by exposing the skin to UV light, which can reduce inflammation and slow down the proliferation of skin cells. There are different types of UV light, including UV-A, UV-B, and narrowband UV-B. Narrowband UV-B is the most commonly used type of phototherapy, as it is more effective and has fewer side effects than other types of UV light.

There are two main types of phototherapy: ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB). UVA is used in combination with a photosensitizing medication to treat conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. UVB is used to treat psoriasis, vitiligo, and other skin conditions. Narrowband UV-B is a newer form of UVB that emits a more specific range of wavelengths that are most effective for treating skin conditions.

Treatment process

Before your phototherapy procedure, your provider will set up the equipment and give you protective eyewear to cover your eyes. You may need additional personal protective equipment depending on the location of your therapy to cover parts of your body that aren’t receiving treatment.   You may need to remove some or all of your clothing for this procedure depending on which area is being treated.

During the procedure, the patient stands or sits in a special booth or cabinet that emits the appropriate type and dose of UV light. 

How long does the procedure take?

The amount of exposure time and frequency of treatments will depend on the patient’s individual needs and the type of condition being treated. A typical course of treatment may involve several sessions per week for several weeks, followed by maintenance treatments as needed. Repeated treatments are needed for the best results. Your first session could last a few seconds and your final session could last a few minutes with UVB therapy and up to an hour for UVA therapy. The length of time you’re treated and the total number of treatments you need can vary greatly depending on the disease and your skin. Your provider will help figure out your personal treatment plan.

Phototherapy procedure aftercare

After the procedure, your provider will give you instructions on how you can protect your skin, which could include:

• Wearing sunscreen on the treated areas of your skin and/or clothing to protect your skin from the sun.
• Wearing eye protection when outdoors.
• Using a moisturizer daily to prevent dry skin.
• Avoiding sun exposure and avoiding tanning beds, which could increase your chances of a burn.

Potential side effects 

Like any medical treatment, it can have side effects. The most common side effect is skin redness, which usually goes away within a few hours. Other potential side effects include itching, dry skin, and increased risk of skin cancer with long-term exposure. It is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of light therapy with your healthcare provider and to follow all recommended safety guidelines.

Get in touch with your doctor if:

• You have a burning sensation on your skin more than 24 hours after treatment.
• You have flu-like symptoms (nausea, vomiting, fever or chills) after treatment.
• Your skin blisters.
• You have signs of an infection (a swollen wound that won’t heal, a crusty sore that leaks pus).

Light therapy can be an effective and safe treatment option for a variety of skin conditions. If you have a skin condition that may benefit from phototherapy, talk to your healthcare provider to determine if it is a suitable treatment option for your individual needs.