Phototherapy, or light therapy, is a type of FDA-approved psoriasis treatment. It involves exposing affected skin areas to different types of ultraviolet (UV) light. Different types of phototherapy include UVB phototherapy, balneophototherapy, and “psoralen plus ultraviolet A” therapy (PUVA).

In the Inspire Psoriasis Community, members living with psoriasis share details of their experiences using different types of phototherapy to treat and manage their condition. The following posts represent a sample of Inspire members’ experiences with phototherapy treatments. This content should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. As always, consult with your doctor before trying any new treatments or medications. 

To access more psoriasis treatment discussions, join the Inspire Psoriasis Community.

Some Inspire members found phototherapy to be effective for treating their psoriasis

"I have been using sunlight during summer to control my psoriasis. Winter is hard on my psoriasis. I tried two months of UVB phototherapy at my doctor's office and it's working wonders. Now I finally got insurance to cover a home UVB unit that I just started using. Keep fingers crossed." View post

"I have had psoriasis off and on for years. UVB light treatment has been a big help for me." View post

"In Ontario, Canada, my light treatments at the dermatologist’s office were covered by OHIP...so cost me nothing. When the derm office closed because of COVID, I was terrified of losing the benefit I’d gained regarding psoriasis...was nearly itch, hive and patch free! My physical comfort and decreased stress was worth the dollars I paid for a home unit...$2000. My sanity, lowered stress, and ability to help my psoriasis over the next 5 months of bitter Canadian cold and dry air are worth every cent." View post

"I had a battle with guttate about 2 years ago. I had…patches all over my body and some merged with other patches and became huge patches. [My dermatologist] recommended phototherapy (UVB light) 3-4 times a week.  It's like a stand-up tanning booth. I just started treatment but then COVID happened and they stopped offering treatments. I was heart-broken. However, the derm recommended a company that sells the machines and will deliver to your home so you can use it at home. Insurance usually covers a portion (I think I ended up paying around $1,000. It seems like a lot but when you're desperate you'll do anything). I began to see results in a few weeks.  Most of the patches had faded in a few months and I began to taper down usage. I highly recommend talking to your derm about phototherapy. It worked wonders." View post

There are Inspire members who have success using phototherapy treatments as part of a larger regimen

"The few things that work for me include: Diet changes and avoiding nearly everything processed. Flooding my system with water daily and Probiotics also help with the pain. I drink probiotic tea daily and go for the no-sugar kombucha drinks some days. Even the Epsom salt baths help a little. I can assure you I have tried every oil concoction, steroids, creams and lotions with little effect and only the (NB-UVB) light therapy would clear the psoriasis after about 10 treatments." View post

"I have great success using tar and UVB light." View post

"I have had psoriasis for 18 years. I'm able to maintain good enough clearance with a home phototherapy unit, a cocktail of supplements, and keeping a healthy diet." View post

Some Inspire members found phototherapy treatment effects were not long-lasting or required regular treatment

"I did UVB for a few months and it did help clear the skin but it kept coming back as soon as I put a pause on the 3 times a week routine and they switched me to PUVA twice a week which did clear my skin but I reached what was then considered the maximum lifetime limit for that and tried other treatments like ointment, etc. but eventually it spread and using creams and ointments became impactable." View post

"I've had light therapy a couple of times, it's worked - in conjunction with moisturizers - and every dermatologist I've ever spoken to has said DO NOT use ordinary sunbeds, hospitals use UVB light only, and never for as long as 10 minutes!!! The time in the light machine increases with each visit. In fact at 3 times a week it took 10 weeks to get past 5 minutes. It worked(ish) then [the psoriasis] gradually returns." View post

"I became immune to PUVA and UVB light therapies within 3-6 months." View post

"I am suffering from psoriasis for 15 years. I tried everything I can but nothing works for me. UVB light works but only for a few months." View post

Phototherapy treatments were not effective for some Inspire members

"I tried UVB light treatment for over a year - 3 times a week - and although it gave me a nice tan, [it] did not help the psoriasis." View post

"[I] was doing UVB light treatment which barely helped my psoriasis, it did make my skin pretty dark brown! Dermatologist informed me she had another patient who had 75% psoriasis coverage on his body and he was clear after 4 months of UVB Iight treatment so I was enthused cuz I had 80% coverage on my body. Sorry it didn’t do anything except increase my medical bills!" View post

People living with psoriasis have a wide range of experiences when it comes to using phototherapy treatments for their symptoms. Some find it to be effective, while others find it has no effect at all. Others still use it in conjunction with other prescription and over-the-counter treatments. If you have tried phototherapy to treat your psoriasis, share your experience in the Psoriasis Community today. If you are considering using phototherapy to help treat your psoriasis symptoms, consult a dermatologist.

To read more about other psoriasis treatments from people living with the condition, join the Inspire Psoriasis Community today.

Sources

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK435696/

Disclaimer 

Member comments have been edited for length and clarity. This content is for general informational purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of any organization or individual. The content should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider about any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.