Phototherapy is a beneficial treatment for a range of skin conditions, such as psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo, mycosis fungoides, and other skin issues. Depending on the severity of the condition, most patients require 20 to 30 treatments to see results. Ultraviolet (UV) light therapy is an important dermatologic treatment that utilizes UV rays to slow the growth of affected skin cells. Different types of UV light therapy include UVB, UVA, PUVA, and heliotherapy.
UVB rays are present in natural sunlight and are an effective treatment for psoriasis. They penetrate the skin and slow the growth of affected skin cells. Phototherapy with UVB rays can be done in the office or at home. PUVA phototherapy is another option for treating psoriasis. It involves taking psoralen in pill form or soaking it with bath water before treatment with UVA light.
Ultraviolet light therapy approaches, such as phototherapy with UVB rays and psoralen with ultraviolet A light (PUVA), can effectively reduce symptoms of psoriasis. However, this type of treatment requires a lot of effort as several sessions are needed per week. Additionally, repeated and prolonged phototherapy can increase the risk of skin cancer. UV light therapy isn't safe for certain people, including those with skin conditions that cause increased sensitivity to light. Phototherapy combined with bathing in a solution of common salt or Dead Sea salt appears to be more effective than UV light therapy without a bath, but it is less effective than PUVA therapy with psoralen added to a bath. Other treatments that use light include blue or red light to kill bacteria and treat blackheads, or intense pulsed light (IPL) to help remove fat and dead skin cells from clogged pores and treat blackheads.Tanning beds can't be used for phototherapy because they don't allow you to control the exact spectrum and dose of light you're exposed to.
UV light therapy isn't safe for everyone, such as people with a history of skin cancer or fair-skinned people who burn easily. The duration of phototherapy procedures varies depending on the size of the treatment area and the intensity of the ultraviolet light used by your supplier. UV light therapy can generally dry out the skin, so home care may involve the use of a fragrance-free moisturizer. It's important to consult your doctor before undergoing any type of UV light therapy to ensure it's safe for you.
