What is phototherapy for psoriasis?
Phototherapy, also called light therapy, is an effective treatment for moderate to severe psoriasis. It involves exposing your skin to specific wavelengths of ultraviolet light to help reduce inflammation and slow the overproduction of skin cells.
Between 50-90% of people with psoriasis Show Full Answer
What is phototherapy for psoriasis?
Phototherapy, also called light therapy, is an effective treatment for moderate to severe psoriasis. It involves exposing your skin to specific wavelengths of ultraviolet light to help reduce inflammation and slow the overproduction of skin cells.
Between 50-90% of people with psoriasis who try phototherapy experience noticeable improvement in their symptoms, and sometimes symptoms go away entirely.
Types of phototherapy include:
- Narrowband UVB (most common) - Uses ultraviolet B light at 311-313 nanometers
- Excimer laser - Targets specific areas of plaque psoriasis
- PUVA - Combines psoralen medication with UVA light
- Balneophototherapy - Combines salt water baths with UV light exposure
Phototherapy is especially useful for treating plaque psoriasis, nail psoriasis, and scalp psoriasis. At-home vs. clinic-based treatment:
You can receive phototherapy at a dermatologist's office or use an at-home unit prescribed by your doctor. Recent studies show at-home phototherapy can be just as effective as clinic treatments, with about 33% achieving clear or almost-clear skin after 12 weeks.
At-home units offer convenience for people who don't live near treatment centers or have scheduling challenges, and users tend to stick with treatment better.
Treatment schedule:
Phototherapy typically requires 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks to 3 months. Some people continue maintenance treatments once or twice weekly to keep flares under control. Important considerations:
Phototherapy works best when combined with other psoriasis treatments like topical medications, oral retinoids, or biologics.
Potential side effects include:
- Short-term: burning sensation, blisters, itching, pain
- Long-term: premature skin aging, increased skin cancer risk, cataracts
Regular check-ups with your dermatologist are important during treatment. Note that tanning beds are NOT recommended as they primarily use UVA light and carry serious skin cancer risks without the therapeutic benefits of medical phototherapy.
February 3
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