What is Phototherapy?

In phototherapy, skin is exposed to an ultraviolet (UV) light source for a set amount of time. It is used to treat certain skin conditions. UV lights are rays of light from the sun that are not visible. Phototherapy uses a man-made source of UV light for treatment.

Skin conditions that are treated with phototherapy include:

• Psoriasis —a skin disorder that causes red, silvery, scaly patches on the skin
• Atopic dermatitis —eczema (itchy, red skin condition) or dermatitis due to allergies
• Mycosis fugoides (cutaneous T-cell lymphoma)—a type of lymphoma confined to the skin
• Vitiligo —a skin disorder where normal skin pigment is lost due to destruction of pigment-producing cells by the immune system

Psoriasis © 2009 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Possible Complications

The UV lights may negatively affect your skin in a number of ways, including:

• Skin conditions could temporarily worsen
• Itchy skin
• Red skin due to exposure to the lights
• Burning of the skin

PUVA treatment specifically may cause:

• Nausea (if you took the psoralen pills)
• Burning skin
• Cataracts (lens of eye becomes cloudy, affecting vision)
• Headache
• Fatigue

If you have received a great number of phototherapy treatments, you may be at risk for:

• Premature aging of the skin, such as wrinkling and dryness
• Age spots or freckles may appear

Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

• Allergy to sunlight
• Pregnancy or nursing
• Medical conditions (such as skin cancer or lupus ) that require...