UV Light Therapy

Discover the power of UV light therapy as a safe, effective alternative to traditional treatments.

How Does UV Light Therapy Work?

UV light therapy works by targeting the underlying causes of autoimmune skin conditions, such as inflammation and abnormal skin cell growth. The ultraviolet light penetrates the skin, slowing down the excessive cell turnover, reducing inflammation, and promoting healing. This helps alleviate symptoms like itching, redness, and flaking, leading to clearer, healthier skin over time.

Ultraviolet Light B (UVB)

UVB is present in natural sunlight and is an effective treatment for psoriasis, eczema and vitiligo. UVB penetrates the skin and slows the growth of affected skin cells. Treatment using UVB can include UVB phototherapy, excimer laser, or in-office or home UVB phototherapy.

UVB phototherapy treatment involves exposing the skin to an artificial UVB light source for a set length of time on a regular schedule. This treatment is administered in our clinic.

There are two types of UVB treatment: broad band and narrow band. There are three main differences between them:

Narrow-band UVB light bulbs release a smaller range of ultraviolet light. Narrow-band UVB may clear psoriasis faster and produce longer remissions. Narrow-band UVB may require fewer treatments per week.

UVB treatment is offered in different ways. This can include small units for localized areas such as the hands and feet, full-body units, or hand-held units. Some UVB units use traditional UV lamps or bulbs, others use LED bulbs.

The excimer laser, approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating chronic, localized psoriasis plaques, emits a high-intensity beam of UVB. The excimer laser can target areas of the skin affected by mild-to-moderate psoriasis. Research indicates it is a particularly effective treatment for scalp psoriasis. However, there is not yet enough long-term data to indicate how long improvements will last following a course of laser therapy.
Treating psoriasis with home UVB phototherapy can be an economical and convenient choice. Like phototherapy in a health care provider’s office or clinic, it requires a consistent treatment schedule. Individuals are treated initially at a medical facility and then begin using a light unit at home. It is critical when doing phototherapy at home to follow a health care provider’s instructions and continue with regular check-ups.

All phototherapy treatments, including the purchase of equipment for home use, require a prescription from your health care provider.

Alternatives To UV Light Therapy

Psoriasis treatments aim to stop skin cells from growing so quickly and to remove scales. Options include creams and ointments (topical therapy), light therapy (phototherapy), and oral or injected medications. Which treatments you use depends on how severe the psoriasis is and how responsive it has been to previous treatment and self-care measures.

Is UV light therapy safe for all skin types?

UV light therapy is generally safe for most skin types, but it may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions or sensitivities to UV light.

Is UV light therapy safe for everyone?

Phototherapy is safe enough for pregnant women and children, and may be used in combination with biologics if needed for optimal clearance.

How does UV light therapy work to treat skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema?

UV light therapy works by exposing the skin to ultraviolet light, which helps reduce inflammation and slow down the excessive growth of skin cells associated with conditions like psoriasis and eczema.

What are the potential side effects of UV light therapy?

Potential side effects of UV light therapy may include temporary redness, itching, and dryness of the skin, as well as an increased risk of sunburn and skin aging with prolonged exposure.

How many sessions of UV light therapy are typically needed to see results?

The number of sessions required for UV light therapy varies depending on the severity of the condition and individual response to treatment, but most patients typically undergo several sessions per week for several weeks.

Can UV light therapy be used in combination with other treatments?

Yes, UV light therapy can be used in conjunction with other treatments like topical medications, moisturizers, and oral medications to enhance results and manage symptoms more effectively.

Is UV light therapy covered by insurance?

Coverage for UV light therapy may vary depending on individual insurance plans and policies, so it's important to check with your insurance provider to determine coverage options. We accept Medicare and many PPO insurance. If we don't have your insurance plan, we can work with you to apply to your insurance company. In addition, we accept HSA/FSA funds and we have financing options available.

Are there any long-term effects of UV light therapy?

While UV light therapy is generally considered safe when administered by trained professionals, long-term effects may include an increased risk premature skin aging with prolonged or excessive exposure.

Can UV light therapy be used to treat conditions other than psoriasis and eczema?

UV light therapy can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions beyond psoriasis and eczema, including vitiligo, allergic urticaria, dermatitis, folliculitis, graft v. host disease, granuloma annulare, Grover’s disease, halo nevi, pruritus, lichen planopilaris,lLichen planus, lichen simplex chronicus, morphea, mycosis fungoides/CTCL, parapsoriasis, pigmented purpuric dermatoses, pityriasis alba, pityriasis lichenoides (PLEVA), pityriasis rosea, pityriasis rubra pilaris, polymorphous light eruption (PMLE), prurigo nodularis

What precautions should I take before and after undergoing UV light therapy?

Before undergoing UV light therapy, it's important to protect your eyes and genitals from exposure, avoid sun exposure before and after treatment sessions, and follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider.

Does UVb light therapy cause cancer?

Patients undergoing phototherapy without psoralens are NOT at an increased risk of keratinocyte cancer and melanoma, according to a study recently published in Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

A total of 3506 patients were included in the analysis. As their results did not indicate any significant links between skin cancer risk or incidence in phototherapy with NB-UVB, UVAB, or BB-UVB, the authors conclude that ultraviolet phototherapy without psoralens should be considered a safe treatment approach.

Wang E, Ahad T, Liu YA, et al. Incidence and profile of skin cancers in patients following ultraviolet phototherapy without psoralens: A retrospective cohort study. J Am Acad Dermatol. Published online December 7, 2023. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2023.11.053