Great question! UV light therapy (phototherapy) for psoriasis can actually be done in both settings — a doctor's office or at home. Here's a quick breakdown:
In a clinical setting
- Administered by a healthcare professional
- Uses larger, professional-grade equipment
- Allows your doctor to monitor side effects and track Show Full Answer
Great question! UV light therapy (phototherapy) for psoriasis can actually be done in both settings — a doctor's office or at home. Here's a quick breakdown:
In a clinical setting:
- Administered by a healthcare professional
- Uses larger, professional-grade equipment
- Allows your doctor to monitor side effects and track progress closely
At home:
- Requires a prescription for a home device from your dermatologist
- Uses guided dosimetry devices to help control UV dosage safely
- Offers more scheduling flexibility
- Eliminates travel time and costs A recent study actually found that nearly 1 in 3 people achieved clear or almost-clear skin after 12 weeks of at-home phototherapy, compared to 1 in 4 with in-office treatment. People doing at-home therapy were also more likely to stick with the treatment schedule.
It's worth noting that insurance coverage for home devices can be inconsistent, so it's a good idea to check with your provider.
As always, chat with your dermatologist about which option suits your lifestyle and the severity of your psoriasis best!
July 29
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