What is phototherapy for skin conditions?

Phototherapy is the supervised use of ultraviolet (UV) light to treat skin conditions, including eczema. Ultraviolet B (UVB) or ultraviolet A (UVA) may be used during therapy. The most common type of phototherapy to treat eczema is narrowband UVB.

During phototherapy, you may stand in a booth that contains light tubes that give off UV light. Or you may have treatment with a smaller device if you have eczema in a limited area. Treatment is usually several times a week at first. Once your eczema is doing better, you may have treatment less often. Sometimes people are able to do the treatment at home.

To keep yourself safe, carefully follow all of your doctor's instructions. This may include protecting your eyes by wearing UV-blocking goggles during treatments.

Phototherapy can be an effective treatment for psoriasis. It can be used by people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Risks of phototherapy include:

• Skin cancer. Exposure to UV light may result in skin cancer.
• Skin damage. Exposure to UV light can cause sunburn and early aging of the skin. This includes wrinkles, loose skin, and age spots.
• Cataracts and other eye problems. Protect your eyes with UV-blocking goggles during phototherapy treatments.
• Other skin diseases getting worse. For example, exposure to UV light can reactivate a herpes infection.

After treatment, the skin is usually red or pink. Your skin may also be tender or itchy. Or you may feel stinging or burning. Some people get dark spots on the skin. This is more common in people with darker skin.

Phototherapy is an effective treatment option without the side effects that can happen with pills or other medicines. It may be used when psoriasis covers a lot of your skin. Or it may be used when medicines you put on the skin aren't working well. Sometimes it's used along with other treatments.