Understanding Phototherapy

Some skin disorders occur when the immune system doesn’t work right. It starts to attack the skin. This leads to inflammation and symptoms such as redness, swelling, and itching. Phototherapy helps lessen the immune system’s response on affected skin, easing symptoms.

Phototherapy may be used with other types of treatment for your skin problem, such as medicines. Or it may be used when other treatments haven’t worked.

Your healthcare provider will put together a treatment plan for your skin problem. They will decide on the best type and dose of UV light for you.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take. That includes prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements.

If you use salicylic acid for your skin condition, don’t use it before a phototherapy treatment. It can affect how well the phototherapy works.

Phototherapy is usually done in your healthcare provider’s office, a treatment center, or a hospital. You will likely have treatment 2 or more times a week for several weeks. Each treatment may last a few seconds to minutes.

Before each treatment, you will be given eye goggles to wear. These protect your eyes from the UV light. You may also be given other protective gear, such as a face shield or towel.

There are many ways to do phototherapy. Your healthcare provider will decide on the best type for you. If you have a large area of affected skin, you may go into a light box. Or a UV lamp may be passed over your body. To treat a smaller area, your healthcare provider may use a laser.

In some cases, you may be able to do phototherapy at home. You will need to get a home UV light device. Your healthcare provider can tell you more about this option.

After each treatment, you will be able to go home right away. Make sure to protect your eyes with sunglasses. You may also be asked to put sunscreen on areas exposed to sunlight.

It’s important to go to all your phototherapy treatments. You will have better results. Talk with your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.

Phototherapy has these risks:

• Red or tender skin
• Dry skin
• Burning or stinging
• Blisters

Phototherapy may also cause early aging of the skin, such as dark spots, wrinkles, or freckles. It may also raise your risk for skin cancer.

Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following:

• Symptoms stay the same or get worse
• New symptoms