What is phototherapy?
Phototherapy is also known as light and heliotherapy therapy. What kind of treatment do you need and how light can be used depending on whether phototherapy is intended for eczema, psoriasis or other health conditions.
Phototherapy types
- Wide band UVB: UVB broadband uses a wide variety of UVB rays. UVB rays are in the sunlight, but you can’t see them.
- Narrowband UVB: This includes using a smaller and more intense part of UVB to handle the skin condition. This is the most common type of light treatment used today.
- PUVA: Combines UVA light with a chemical called psoralen, which comes from plants. You can apply a psorelan to the skin or you can take it as a pill. It makes your skin more light-sensitive.
Phototherapy involves using UV to slow skin cell growth and inflammation. Inflammation is one of the ways your immune system responds to foreign infections, injuries, and intruders.
UVB rays affect the outer layers of the skin. UVA rays are slightly less intense, but penetrate deeper into the skin. These two types of UV light can be used in different ways.
The effects of light therapy for skin disorders are usually temporary. Phototherapy for skin problems can take six to eight sessions and up to two months to work.
Light therapy can be used to treat skin conditions, mood disorders, sleep disorders, several cancers and jaundice in infants. Some treatments include exposure to natural or artificial light. Others combine light therapy with a drug that makes light more efficient.
While light therapy is considered safe, some people have side effects. And it’s not for everyone. If you’re pregnant or nursing, you have a family history of skin cancer, or you have liver disease or lupus, light therapy might not help.
