What is phototherapy?
Phototherapy, also known as light therapy, is a common form of treatment that uses bright, ultraviolet (UV) lights on your exposed skin. Phototherapy can treat several types of skin conditions, including psoriasis and eczema.
What is ultraviolet light?
There are different types of ultraviolet (UV) light, or ultraviolet radiation, that are part of the electromagnetic spectrum. The sun produces UV light that reaches the Earth. UV light helps you produce vitamin D, which is essential to help your body survive. Too much UV exposure can damage your skin.
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The UV light used in phototherapy is the same type of light emitted from the sun. Your provider will control the strength of the light and monitor the length of time that your skin will have exposure to UV light to prevent skin damage.
What are the types of ultraviolet light?
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There are different types of ultraviolet light for medical procedures based on the type of ultraviolet and the size of the wavelength:
- UVB: Ultraviolet light B (UVB) has a medium wavelength that reaches the top layer of your skin. Overexposure to UVB light can cause sunburns.
- UVA: Ultraviolet light A has a long wavelength that reaches the first two layers of your skin and treats conditions that affect these deeper regions of the skin. Overexposure to UVA light can cause sunburn and wrinkles.
What are the different colors of phototherapy lights?
There are different types of phototherapy lights available to treat different conditions. Each type uses a different color light:
- Blue light therapy: Blue LED lights are similar to the lights emitted from your cell phone. Blue lights (neoBLUE®) give off a blue hue and are a common form of treatment for jaundice.
- Red light therapy: Red LED lights are lights that have a red hue. Laser lights are a form of red light. These lights commonly treat wrinkles, redness, acne and scars.
Who can get phototherapy?
Anyone can receive a phototherapy procedure if their provider prescribes it as a treatment for their diagnosis. Children and adults can receive phototherapy treatment.
Is phototherapy safe for everyone?
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Phototherapy is a safe form of treatment but there may be more risks of side effects if you have certain medical conditions. Your provider will let you know if phototherapy is safe for you. Phototherapy may not be recommended if:
- You have sun allergy. This is a rare condition, and not a real allergy, but you break out in hives when exposed to the sun.
- You’ve had certain forms of skin cancer and are advised to have UVA phototherapy.
- You’re pregnant or nursing.
- You have liver disease.
- You have lupus.
- You have a genetic disease that makes you more prone to damage from the sun, such as xeroderma pigmentosa.
- You take medication that leads to increased sun sensitivity.
Is phototherapy safe for babies?
Yes, phototherapy is a safe treatment option for babies. Babies who are born with jaundice have too much bilirubin in their bodies, which makes their skin and eyes look yellow. Blue UV light therapy helps babies get rid of the bilirubin so it doesn’t become harmful to them. You may even take a lamp or lighted blanket home when your newborn is discharged from the hospital. Babies are monitored carefully during treatment.
What conditions does phototherapy treat?
Phototherapy helps treat several conditions. The most common include:
- Psoriasis.
- Eczema.
- Itch.
- Newborn jaundice.
- Vitiligo.
- Mycosis fungoides.
- Morphea.
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