Phototherapy

Sunlight has been known to have a beneficial effect on certain skin disorders. Ultraviolet light waves found in sunlight were discovered to be the source of this therapeutic effect. Phototherapy uses these ultraviolet light waves for the treatment of eczema.

Most short course phototherapies like ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB), ultraviolet A and B (UVAB), and psoralen plus UVA (PUVA) have shown to be beneficial for adults with severe atopic dermatitis. UVAB and PUVA appear to be the most effective.

Cautions:

UVB light is the portion of sunlight responsible for changing skin colour, or tanning. However, with prolonged exposure there is a risk of sunburn, eye damage, skin cancer, dry skin, freckling of the skin, and premature skin aging. Some patients actually experience a worsening of their condition when light therapy is applied. As well, light therapy requires several trips to the doctor's office or clinic. This can be time consuming and inconvenient.

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This information can help you take control of eczema right now!