Phototherapy, commonly known as ultraviolet B (UVB) light therapy, is a treatment for severe and persistent skin disorders. UVB therapy aims to lessen irritation, boost vitamin D production in the skin, and strengthen the skin’s defenses against bacteria.
A light box is used in UVB therapy to expose the skin’s afflicted areas to synthetic UV light. Here, we’ve outlined a few instances where applying ultraviolet B light treatment at home to treat skin diseases can be deemed medically essential.
When all of the following conditions are satisfied, performing ultraviolet light therapy at home is deemed medically necessary:
- Hepatic or renal failure-associated pruritus, severe and refractory psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, eczema, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL)/mycosis fungoides, or vitiligo are all diagnoses for the patient.
- Significant and persistent psoriasis on the palms or soles would be deemed adequate for coverage.
- JAK inhibitors and biological treatments are options for treating psoriasis.
- The patient first needs UV light therapy at least three times each week.
However, UV light therapy at home is not a medical necessity when:
- The patient doesn’t have all of the necessary clinical diagnoses or conditions
- The prescription is only being given for the member’s convenience
- The patient doesn’t have all of the necessary clinical diagnoses or conditions
How Ultraviolet Light Therapy Works
Lightwaves are used in phototherapy/UV light therapy to treat specific skin disorders. An established period is spent exposing the skin to ultraviolet (UV) light. UV radiation from an artificial source is used in phototherapy. The sun also emits UV light. The procedure is known as psoralen UVA when paired with the drug psoralen (PUVA).
Skin immune system cells are turned off by UV light. Skin diseases brought on by an immune system response may benefit from it. Phototherapy is used to treat a variety of skin problems, including:
- Psoriasis, which a skin condition that develops red, silvery, scaly spots on the skin.
- Eczema, allergic dermatitis that causes itchy, red skin,
- Mycosis Fungoides, which is a form of skin-specific lymphoma
You can choose how and from where you want your UV light therapy. Some photo therapists specialize in the safe conduction of these therapies. Light therapy devices for home use are also available in various places.
Patients undergoing UV light therapy often need to go to an outpatient clinic two to three times each week. Technology has advanced with the development of safer home phototherapy equipment and regulatory frameworks that reduce treatment abuse.
Patients should receive thorough instruction on how to use home UVB, including the intended outcomes of treatment and how to spot side effects. Additionally, as every manufacturer of phototherapy equipment has distinctly suggested treatment regimens, safety precautions, and maintenance needs, patient instructions must be customized for each patient.
Things To Bear In Mind Before Taking Ultraviolet Light Therapy
The first step in selecting the best candidates for home phototherapy is a complete history and physical assessment. Patients with broad or generalized skin conditions who cannot benefit from or cannot tolerate topical medication might consider UVB phototherapy.
Patients who are photosensitive because of their medications or an underlying illness that makes them photosensitive should not receive phototherapy. Numerous drugs may cause people to become photosensitive. Thiazide diuretics, furosemide, tetracyclines, sulfonamides, amiodarone, diltiazem, and oral antifungal medications are common offenders.
Similarly, retinoids are also photosensitizing. However, oral retinoid acitretin is sometimes coupled with phototherapy to increase the response. A doctor should regularly monitor such a combo therapy. Antidepressants that may cause photosensitization should also be used with caution, such as amitriptyline and desipramine, antipsychotics like chlorpromazine, and hypoglycemic medications, like glipizide and glyburide.
To avoid phototoxicity, alternate drugs should be used wherever possible. Lupus, rosacea, porphyria, polymorphous light eruption, and vitiligo are photosensitive illnesses. The presence of melanoma in the past or present or a history of recurrent non-melanoma skin malignancies are additional relative contraindications to UVB phototherapy.
What To Expect From Phototherapy At Home
Even though the risks of home phototherapy are minimal and comparable to outpatient therapy, there are still possible side effects, like blisters, burns, or severe erythema. Due to worries about these hazards, only trustworthy patients should be chosen for therapy. Patients who can follow directions, have built a strong rapport with their caregiver, and are aware of the dangers associated with their care are reliable.
Additionally, those for whom long-term outpatient phototherapy is impossible due to scheduling restrictions, transportation issues, or cost are candidates for home phototherapy. If outpatient therapy is even somewhat possible, it should still be used as a last resort with stricter monitoring and dose management by a medical expert.
Patients should have had prior outpatient phototherapy experience before beginning home phototherapy. This ensures that a therapeutic response to phototherapy has been established before investing in a home UVB unit. An educational experience gained from prior outpatient phototherapy reduces the incidence of adverse outcomes while using a home device.
The treatment objectives and the idea of suberythemogenic phototherapy should be explained to patients. Patients will learn to distinguish between undesirable little pinkening of the skin, significant erythema, and burning with the assistance of the phototherapy personnel.
FAQ
What negative impacts might UV light therapy have?
Complications of phototherapy include:
- Infection symptoms, such as fever and chills.
- Any discharge or redness surrounding the skin lesions.
- Severe burning, agony, or scorching of the skin.
How long does skin damage caused by UV rays last?
People with light-sensitive skin can’t effectively block UV rays for very long. After around 5 to 10 minutes, UV radiation affects particularly fair-skinned persons.
Bottom Line
Light therapy is an ideal treatment option for a variety of skin conditions. Although there may not be a complete solution for persistent skin diseases, there is hope. Get to know your options by speaking with your doctor, and learn to create your customized treatment plan. The effects of successful treatment will be felt and seen immediately!
