The Risks and Benefits of Light Therapy for Atopic Dermatitis – Health.com

Light therapy, also known as phototherapy, is a skin treatment thatharnesses the power of ultraviolet (UV) light to ease severe eczemasymptoms.It can be a potent weapon in the arsenal of treatments for people with difficult-to-treat atopic dermatitis, the most common type of eczema. But while light therapy can help improve symptoms, italso comes with risks.

Light therapy is generally reserved for adults and adolescents with widespreadeczema symptoms, or for those whose atopic dermatitis is not respondingto first-line treatments(such as gentle moisturizers or topical steroids). The treatment involves emitting UV light from special medical therapy lamps, and can helpreduce inflammation and itch. About 70% of people see an improvement insymptoms after light therapy, according to the National Eczema Association.

Narrowband ultraviolet B (UVB) light is the type of phototherapy usually recommended for the treatment ofatopic dermatitis, but there are also other types, such as UVA1 and broadband UVB phototherapy.

"Some may say [light therapy]is time-consuming because it includes many treatments and visits to the doctors, but its results are unrivaled," said Kim Nichols, MD, a Greenwich, Conn., dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon. "A successful response returns the skin to a normal appearance."

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Still, light therapy isnot a panacea for every eczema sufferer. And experts stress that people with atopic dermatitis should speak totheir doctorabout the benefits and risks of this treatment first.

"We dont necessarily like to put people into it unless theres nothing else thats keeping them controlled," says Jon Hanifin, MD, professor of dermatology at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland.

For such patients, Dr. Hanifinusually puts themon an immunosuppressantmedication such ascyclosporinefor a limited period of time (cyclosporine can have worrisome side effects)until their skin isnt "all thickened and red and scratched." He then tapers them off the treatment while theyre building up their ultraviolet treatments with the goal of stopping inflammation.For these people, he explains, light therapy can be a bridge to healthier skin."UV is really good for them," he says. "But its not for everybody."

As with ultraviolet radiation from the sun, light therapy has risks. The most obvious is that exposure to UV radiation can produce genetic mutations that eventually lead to skin canceror, in rare cases,melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.Men whose genitals are exposed to UV light may be at risk for genital cancer. Light therapy can prematurely age the skin, especially in people who are fair-skinned.

Patients typically wear goggles during light therapy sessions to guard against eye damage. Treatment can also cause burning, stinging, and redness.

Dermatologists are mindful of these risks, which is one reason why light therapy for atopic dermatitis is given in controlled doses, usually two to three times a week, and generally under physician supervision.

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The Risks and Benefits of Light Therapy for Atopic Dermatitis - Health.com