Phototherapy

What is Phototherapy?

Phototherapy is an important modality for treating a number of skin diseases, especially psoriasis and eczema, as well as some types of skin lymphoma and pre-lymphoma. As the first private practice facility to offer photochemotherapy (PUVA) in New England, we have successfully treated nearly 1,000 patients over the past 25 years.

Phototherapy is the use of therapeutic ultraviolet light to help slow the growth of new skin cells. It is believed to work by blocking the immune response that may have caused the cutaneous condition.

It is commonly used to treat the following conditions:

• Acne
• Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
• Psoriasis
• Alopecia (hair loss)
• Morphea
• Pityriasis rosea
• Pre-lymphoma
• Prurigo nodularis
• Skin lymphoma
• Vitiligo

Our phototherapy department has state-of-the-art narrow band UVB (NB-UVB) full-body units, as well as NB-UVB hand and foot units.

Our practice is proud to also offer the XTRAC laser. The XTRAC laser delivers a carefully focused beam of light only on the psoriasis-affected area without exposing healthy skin to UVB rays, unlike conventional phototherapy, which exposes the whole body to ultraviolet light.

What Can I Expect During Phototherapy?

Phototherapy sessions typically last anywhere from 30 seconds to 20 minutes per visit. They may be used in combination with certain medications to help improve the effectiveness of the treatments. During a phototherapy session, exposure of UV light is directed toward the involved area of skin but may include the whole body.

Our expert phototherapists attend ongoing medical education programs in order to provide the competent and compassionate care that patients with phototherapy-responsive skin diseases require.

Phototherapy for Eczema & Other Skin Conditions, Contact Our Dermatologists Today!

For more information or to schedule a phototherapy appointment today, call our experienced Massachusetts dermatologists at (978) 254-1600. You can also request an appointment online at Dermatology Associates of Concord. We do not offer phototherapy treatments at our Waltham location.