Phototherapy for Eczema: How Light Therapy Can Soothe Your Skin
- posted: Sep. 20, 2024
Fivenson Dermatology can help you fight eczema using various tools, including phototherapy. Ann Arbor, MI, residents with eczema need to understand not only the impact of this condition but also the many ways that light therapy could help reduce their symptoms.
How Does Eczema Impact Your Life?
Eczema is a frustrating and unpleasant condition that can develop out of nowhere and last the rest of your life. It's essentially a rash that breaks out across the skin, resulting in itchiness, visible bumps, and even pain. While not debilitating, it's unsightly and causes discomfort, which makes light therapy and other treatments so crucial for those with this condition.
What Is Light Therapy?
Light therapy uses ultraviolet (UV) light to treat various skin problems, including eczema. This is different than the light we get from the sun so the risk of flares or skin cancers is not an issue as this focused therapy suppresses overactive immune system cells and reduces inflammation. It helps keep white blood cells from triggering an unwanted reaction.
Are There Many Types?
At Fivenson Dermatology, Dr. Fivenson can provide several types of phototherapy for Ann Arbor, MI residents. They include PUVA light therapy, which pairs with oral medication, and narrowband UVB light therapy. The latter uses a smaller portion of the UV light spectrum to reduce your radiation exposure.
What Should You Expect?
During your treatment, you'll have appointments at least two to three times per week for a few weeks or months. The number will vary based on your needs, including the severity of your eczema. You'll stand in the light box wearing protective goggles and minimal clothing. Depending on your skin type (how light or dark your skin is) the setting will start out at around 1-2 minutes and then slowly increase as you progress with therapy. Should you have any burning, the medical team will readjust the light dose lower.
Are There Other Therapies?
Most of the time, we start treating with various moisturizers and corticosteroids. They're good first choices for many people. There are also multiple types of newer oral and injectable treatments to help reduce symptoms in severe cases.
Could It Help You?
If your eczema doesn't respond to medication or you struggle with needles, light therapy is a good choice for you. It's also a safe option if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have liver disease, or drink alcohol excessively.
We're Ready to Support You
Fivenson Dermatology can provide phototherapy in Ann Arbor, MI. If you think it sounds the right choice, call us at 734-222-9630 to schedule your appointment. We'll get you ready to go with this therapy.
- posted: Sep. 20, 2024
Fivenson Dermatology can help you fight eczema using various tools, including phototherapy. Ann Arbor, MI, residents with eczema need to understand not only the impact of this condition but also the many ways that light therapy could help reduce their symptoms.
How Does Eczema Impact Your Life?
Eczema is a frustrating and unpleasant condition that can develop out of nowhere and last the rest of your life. It's essentially a rash that breaks out across the skin, resulting in itchiness, visible bumps, and even pain. While not debilitating, it's unsightly and causes discomfort, which makes light therapy and other treatments so crucial for those with this condition.
What Is Light Therapy?
Light therapy uses ultraviolet (UV) light to treat various skin problems, including eczema. This is different than the light we get from the sun so the risk of flares or skin cancers is not an issue as this focused therapy suppresses overactive immune system cells and reduces inflammation. It helps keep white blood cells from triggering an unwanted reaction.
Are There Many Types?
At Fivenson Dermatology, Dr. Fivenson can provide several types of phototherapy for Ann Arbor, MI residents. They include PUVA light therapy, which pairs with oral medication, and narrowband UVB light therapy. The latter uses a smaller portion of the UV light spectrum to reduce your radiation exposure.
What Should You Expect?
During your treatment, you'll have appointments at least two to three times per week for a few weeks or months. The number will vary based on your needs, including the severity of your eczema. You'll stand in the light box wearing protective goggles and minimal clothing. Depending on your skin type (how light or dark your skin is) the setting will start out at around 1-2 minutes and then slowly increase as you progress with therapy. Should you have any burning, the medical team will readjust the light dose lower.
Are There Other Therapies?
Most of the time, we start treating with various moisturizers and corticosteroids. They're good first choices for many people. There are also multiple types of newer oral and injectable treatments to help reduce symptoms in severe cases.
Could It Help You?
If your eczema doesn't respond to medication or you struggle with needles, light therapy is a good choice for you. It's also a safe option if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have liver disease, or drink alcohol excessively.
We're Ready to Support You
Fivenson Dermatology can provide phototherapy in Ann Arbor, MI. If you think it sounds the right choice, call us at 734-222-9630 to schedule your appointment. We'll get you ready to go with this therapy.
Our Location
3200 W Liberty Road Suite C5
Ann Arbor, MI 48103, US
