Are you suffering from some skin condition, such as psoriasis or eczema? Sometimes it is difficult to control these conditions even after using many medications, isn't it? Today we are going to talk about a very effective treatment method that is used in such cases. That is light therapy, or phototherapy.
Simply put, what is phototherapy?
Phototherapy, or light therapy, is a treatment that uses specially controlled ultraviolet (UV) light to target areas of your skin. To be precise, it involves exposing your skin to a light emitted by a special machine under the supervision of a doctor. It is a very effective treatment for many skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema.
What is this UV light used for?
Did you know that UV light is a natural part of sunlight? UV light helps our bodies produce the vitamin D we need. However, too much exposure to UV light is not good for our skin.
Phototherapy uses the same UV rays found in sunlight. But don't worry, your doctor will carefully control the intensity of the light and how long your skin is exposed to it. This will prevent damage to your skin.
Let's see what types of UV rays are.
| Type of UV rays | A simple explanation about it |
|---|---|
| UVB (Ultraviolet B) | These are medium-wavelength rays. They only reach the top layer of your skin. When you are exposed to the sun, it is when you get too much of these UVB rays that you get sunburned. |
| UVA (Ultraviolet A) | These have a long wavelength, so they can penetrate up to two layers of the skin. They are used to treat conditions that are deeper in the skin. Overexposure to UVA rays can cause skin burning and wrinkling. |
Different colors of light used for treatment
Different colors of light are used to treat various medical conditions.
- Blue light therapy: This is similar to the light from your phone. This blue light is often used to treat jaundice in newborns.
- Red light therapy: Laser is a form of red light. It is used to treat skin conditions such as wrinkles, redness, acne, and scars.
Who can have this treatment? Is it safe for everyone?
If a doctor recommends this treatment for your condition, anyone, including young children and adults, can undergo this treatment.
However, although phototherapy is a safe treatment, it does carry a slightly higher risk of side effects for some people. Your doctor will decide whether this treatment is right for you. This treatment is generally not recommended if you have the following conditions:
- If you have a sun allergy: This is not really an allergy. However, if your skin is sensitive to sunlight, this treatment is not suitable.
- If you have a history of certain types of skin cancer: UVA treatment is not recommended.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- If you have liver disease.
- If you have a condition like lupus.
- If you have a genetic disease that makes your skin sensitive to sunlight (e.g. xeroderma pigmentosa).
- If you are using certain medications that make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
Is this safe for newborn babies?
Yes, absolutely. Phototherapy is a very safe treatment for newborns. Jaundice occurs in newborns when they have too much bilirubin in their bodies. This is what causes the baby's skin and eyes to look yellow. The blue UV light helps remove this extra bilirubin from the baby's body. If left untreated, this excess bilirubin can be harmful to the baby.
Sometimes, when you bring your baby home from the hospital, you may be given a special lamp or even a lighted blanket to do this treatment at home. The baby is carefully monitored by doctors during the treatment.
What are the main conditions treated with phototherapy?
- Psoriasis
- Eczema
- Itching
- Newborn jaundice
- Vitiligo
- Mycosis fungoides (a type of skin cancer)
- Morphea (a condition in which the skin becomes thickened and hard)
How does the treatment work?
This process can be divided into several parts.
Before treatment
Your doctor will set up the necessary equipment at the hospital or treatment center. You will be given a pair of protective eyewear to protect your eyes. Depending on the treatment area, you may also need a face mask or a blanket to cover the parts of your body that are not being treated. You will be given sunscreen to apply to your skin before the treatment. If only one part of your body is being treated, you will be given instructions on how and where to apply the sunscreen. Depending on the treatment area, you may need to remove some or all of your clothing.
During treatment
Before turning on the light, your doctor will make sure you are wearing proper safety equipment, such as goggles. The way the light hits the skin varies depending on the type of treatment.
- UVB light: You are placed in a box (like a tanning bed) where you can stand, and the lights inside are turned on. The light is delivered to your skin at the time prescribed by your doctor. If only a small area of skin is treated, you will be placed on a table or reclined, and the light will be directed at that area with a small device (wand).
- UVA light: This is similar to UVB treatment. However, sometimes medications are used to make the treatment more effective. Psoralen is a chemical that comes from plants. This makes your skin more sensitive to UVA light. If you are having UVA treatment with Psoralen, your doctor may advise you to soak in a tub of water with Psoralen, take a pill, or apply a cream before the treatment.
- Excimer laser light: This delivers UV light to small areas of the body in a more targeted manner.
How long does the treatment take?
The length of treatment varies depending on the size of the area of your skin being treated and the strength of the UV light used. For best results, you may need to have several treatments. The first treatment may last a few seconds, while the final treatment may last a few minutes for UVB and an hour for UVA. Your doctor will determine the treatment plan that is right for you.
After treatment
The doctor will advise you on how to protect your skin after treatment.
- Apply sunscreen and/or cover treated areas with clothing.
- Wear eye protection when going out.
- Apply a moisturizer every day to prevent skin dryness.
- Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds.
What are the benefits of this treatment?
- Reduces inflammation in the skin.
- Prevents the recurrence of symptoms such as eczema.
- Reduces itching.
Are there any side effects or risks?
Yes, like all treatments, there are some risks. Your doctor will explain all of this to you before the treatment.
| Side effect/risk | What you need to know |
|---|---|
| Skin redness | This usually goes away within 24 hours. |
| Burns or blisters | It can be like getting sunburned. |
| Dry skin | It can be controlled by using moisturizer. |
| Nausea | This only occurs if you use the drug Psoralen. |
| Premature skin aging (wrinkles) | This only happens if you take treatment for a long time. |
| Risk of skin cancer | There is a very small risk of developing skin cancers (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma) only if you receive UVA treatment for a long time . |
How long does it take to see results?
After the treatment, you can return to your normal activities. However, to see the results on your skin, you will need to undergo several treatments. Usually, you will see a significant improvement in your skin after 6-8 treatments. However, it may take 15-25 treatments to see full results. Some conditions may take longer.
After treatment, your skin may be slightly red or darker than before (hyperpigmentation). This will go away in about 24 hours. However, if your skin feels like it is burning for more than two days, be sure to talk to your doctor.
If something like this happens, see a doctor immediately.
- If your skin still feels like it is burning 24 hours after treatment.
- If you have symptoms such as fever, vomiting, and chills.
- If you get blisters on your skin.
- If there are signs of infection (if the wound is swollen and pus is draining).
- If vision impairment occurs that was not present before treatment.
Take-Home Message
- Phototherapy is an effective treatment for skin diseases using a special UV light under medical supervision.
- This is especially effective for psoriasis, eczema, and jaundice in newborns.
- Although this is generally a safe treatment, it is not suitable for everyone, so it is essential to discuss your complete health history with your doctor.
- For best results, multiple treatments are required. It is also very important to protect your skin from the sun after treatment.
- If you experience any severe side effects, such as persistent skin irritation or blistering, notify your doctor immediately.
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