Phototherapy (light therapy) has helped many people with psoriasis see real improvements. Between 50% and 90% of people who try it notice a meaningful difference in their symptoms — and for some, skin clears up entirely.
Here are some encouraging stories shared by MyPsoriasisTeam members:
- "I'm already in my second month Show Full Answer
Phototherapy (light therapy) has helped many people with psoriasis see real improvements. Between 50% and 90% of people who try it notice a meaningful difference in their symptoms — and for some, skin clears up entirely.
Here are some encouraging stories shared by MyPsoriasisTeam members:
- "I'm already in my second month of light therapy... This therapy really helps me and I'm almost completely 'clean'!"
- "The hospital said I was one of the worst cases they had seen. I had UVB three times a week, 17 sessions in total. I haven't had UVB for over six years now, and I only get small patches that flare up when I get stressed. I highly recommend it."
- One member also found success managing flares long-term by doing a 6–8 week treatment until clear, then dropping to once or twice a week for maintenance.
A recent study also found that nearly 1 in 3 people using at-home narrowband UVB phototherapy achieved clear or almost-clear skin after just 12 weeks. Of course, it doesn't work the same for everyone. One MyPsoriasisTeam member noted they "got a great tan, but it did NOTHING" for their psoriasis. Results really do vary from person to person.
As for side effects, it's worth knowing about these so there are no surprises:
Short-term side effects may include:
- Burning or skin sensitivity
- Itching
- Redness (similar to sunburn)
- Swelling or puffiness
- Crusting or lesions
Longer-term risks can include:
- Premature skin aging
- Changes in skin pigmentation
- Increased risk of skin cancer
- Cataracts (with some types of therapy)
If burning or redness occurs during treatment, talking to a dermatologist about adjusting the light dose is a good idea. It's also worth noting that PUVA therapy carries a slightly higher skin cancer risk compared to narrowband UVB.
Phototherapy is generally considered safe when supervised by a healthcare provider, but regular check-ins with a dermatologist are important for anyone undergoing this treatment.
August 15
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