Phototherapy Clinic

Phototherapy Care in Central Massachusetts and Beyond

UMass Memorial Health dermatologists use phototherapy to treat various inflammatory skin disorders. In our clinic, we use ultraviolet light to reduce skin inflammation. The treatment can slow the growth of skin cells that are growing too quickly. Phototherapy can also calm an overactive immune system and lessen inflammation. This allows the skin to heal and reduces itching.

Phototherapy can help clear up skin conditions, but it usually is only temporary and not a cure. You may need further phototherapy treatments to maintain the results.

Conditions We Treat With Phototherapy

Our dermatologists use phototherapy for a variety of conditions, including:

• Atopic dermatitis and other dermatitis
• Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
• Parapsoriasis
• Pruritus
• Psoriasis
• Vitiligo
• Other skin disorders

Phototherapy Services We Provide

Most phototherapy services, like phototherapy for psoriasis, use either ultraviolet A (UVA) or ultraviolet B (UVB) wavelengths of light. Our phototherapy services include the most advanced treatments, including UVA and UVB phototherapy and PUVA, which can be more effective for certain conditions. We use the latest devices and treatment methods.

What to Expect at Your Phototherapy Appointment

You receive this treatment at your dermatologist’s office. Typically, people need two or three treatments per week for several weeks or even months. Sometimes, people need five times per week. There are several types of phototherapy methods available, depending on your needs:

• UVB light (narrowband or broadband): You stand in a light box, or we pass a light over your skin.
  Laser treatment: We use a laser to deliver high doses of light directly to the psoriasis spots.
• PUVA bath: You soak in water that contains a medicine called psoralen (SOR-ah-len). This medicine makes the skin more sensitive to UV light. After soaking, you wait for a specified time and then receive UVA light treatment.
• PUVA with pills: You take psoralen pills, wait about up to an hour, and then receive UVA light treatment.
• At-home treatment: If phototherapy works for you, your dermatologist may prescribe an at-home light box or handheld device for you to use. At-home therapy can help treat flares and keep your skin condition under control.

Are You a Candidate for Phototherapy?

Phototherapy is an option for many people, but it is not the right fit for everyone. You may not be able to have phototherapy if you:

• Are pregnant (only for PUVA)
• Are taking a medicine that makes you more sensitive to sunlight
• Are taking a medicine that suppresses your immune system, such as cyclosporine
• Cannot attend regularly for treatment
• Cannot stand unaided for up to ten minutes
• Had melanoma or many other skin cancers
• Have a skin condition caused by or made worse by natural sunlight
• Have severe liver or kidney disease (only for PUVA)
• Have xeroderma pigmentosum or another skin cancer syndrome