Phototherapy for Atopic Dermatitis
Phototherapy is the supervised use of ultraviolet (UV) light to treat skin conditions, including atopic dermatitis. Ultraviolet B (UVB), ultraviolet A (UVA), or a combination of UVB and UVA may be used during therapy.
During phototherapy, you stand in a booth that contains light tubes that give off UV light. Goggles should be worn to protect your eyes during treatment. Men need to shield their genitals to avoid an increased risk of genital cancer.
10 Tips for Living With Eczema
If you have eczema, you know how itchy and painful it is. But simple lifestyle changes can go a long way toward treating the condition. Try these 10 tips to help keep your skin feeling soft and comfortable. 1. Know your eczema triggers. Many things can trigger a flare-up of eczema, from scented soaps to dust mites. The important thing is to learn what your triggers are, and then try to avoid them. "Generally, fragrance is a big no-no for eczema patients," says Andrea Cambio, MD, FAAD, medical...
Read the 10 Tips for Living With Eczema article > >
What To Expect After Treatment
As your skin recovers from treatment, it should be checked frequently (at least once or twice a year) for signs of skin damage or skin cancer.
Why It Is Done
Phototherapy is usually used for mild to moderate cases of atopic dermatitis in adults. It is used only for severe symptoms in children.
How Well It Works
Phototherapy with ultraviolet (UV) light can be an effective treatment for severe atopic dermatitis. Combined UVA and UVB light have a more beneficial effect than UVA or UVB light alone.
UV light may help prevent bacterial infections, which are a particular problem in people with atopic dermatitis.
Risks
Risks related to phototherapy include:
- Skin cancer and cancer. Exposure to UV light may result in skin cancer. The male genitals are highly susceptible to the cancer-causing effects of UV therapy.
- Skin damage. Exposure to UV light may lead to sunburn and skin damage.
- Cataracts. The risk of cataracts can be reduced by regular use of sunglasses that block UV light when outdoors.
- Other skin diseases getting worse.
UVA produces fewer and milder short-term side effects than equal doses of UVB light.
What To Think About
UVB treatment requires little time (from seconds to minutes), while UVA treatment is more time-consuming (typically 20 minutes per treatment).
A similar type of treatment, psoralen plus ultraviolet light therapy (PUVA) combines a type of medicine (psoralen) with ultraviolet A (UVA) light to treat atopic dermatitis. The psoralen makes the skin more sensitive to the ultraviolet light. This therapy has additional risks but enhances the effectiveness of UVA light.
Complete the special treatment information form (PDF)
(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this treatment.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Eczema Tips
Today in Eczema
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
©2005-2012 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.