Phototherapy, also called light therapy, uses carefully controlled ultraviolet light to treat a range of skin conditions. It is a well-established, supervised treatment that can be a good option when creams alone are not enough, and it avoids the need for stronger systemic medications in many cases.
Phototherapy is commonly used for conditions where inflammation affects large areas of skin. These include:
Your dermatologist will advise whether it suits your particular condition.
Controlled doses of UV light calm the overactive immune response in the skin that drives conditions like psoriasis and eczema. The dose is precisely measured and delivered in a specialised unit, which is very different from the uncontrolled and harmful exposure of sunbeds or the midday sun.
Phototherapy is delivered under medical supervision at carefully calculated doses. This is what makes it both effective and safe, and why it should never be attempted with a home solarium or sun exposure.
Treatment usually means short, regular sessions, often two or three times a week over a number of weeks. Each session is brief, sometimes only a minute or two, and you stand in the treatment unit while the light is delivered. Protective measures, such as goggles, are used to keep you safe.
Many people see a gradual improvement over several weeks as inflammation settles and the skin clears. Your dermatologist will monitor your progress and adjust the course as needed. Because the treatment is cumulative, consistency with your appointments matters.
If you have a stubborn skin condition and want to know whether phototherapy could help, book a consultation and we can talk through your options.