Phototherapy
Individuals seek phototherapy treatment for a variety of reasons, primarily to manage chronic skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and vitiligo. For individuals with persistent or severe skin conditions that don’t respond well to topical medications, phototherapy can offer long-lasting relief and improvement in skin appearance. At Texas Dermatology, we are pleased to offer phototherapy with life-changing results, giving our patients long-lasting relief and improvement in skin appearance.
What Is Phototherapy?
Phototherapy is a medical treatment that uses controlled exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light to treat various skin conditions. The therapy involves shining specific wavelengths of light onto the affected skin to help reduce symptoms and promote healing.
The treatment is usually administered in a dermatologist’s office or with home phototherapy units and can require sessions several times a week for optimal results. Phototherapy is particularly valued for being non-invasive, safe, and effective, with minimal side effects when compared to other treatments like biologics.
For psoriasis, phototherapy helps to slow down the abnormal overproduction of skin cells, reducing scaling and inflammation. For eczema, it helps reduce itching and inflammation by calming the immune response in the skin. For vitiligo, it stimulates melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) to encourage repigmentation of the skin.
Benefits Of Treatment
Phototherapy offers a wide range of benefits, making it a popular treatment option for individuals with chronic skin conditions. Here’s an in-depth look at its advantages:
Effective for a Variety of Skin Conditions
Phototherapy is FDA-cleared for treating several skin disorders, including:
- Psoriasis – Slows the rapid growth of skin cells to reduce scaling and inflammation
- Eczema – Calms the immune response to decrease itching, redness, and flare-ups
- Vitiligo – Stimulates melanocyte production, promoting repigmentation in affected areas
- Other conditions – Includes treatment for acne, cutaneous lymphoma, lichen planus, and pruritus (severe itching)
Non-Invasive
Phototherapy is a non-invasive treatment that doesn’t involve surgery, needles, or medications. Patients can undergo therapy without the risks associated with more invasive procedures, making it a preferred option for those seeking a gentle but effective approach.
Fewer Side Effects Than Systemic Treatments
Compared to biologics and systemic medications, phototherapy has fewer and milder side effects. It is particularly beneficial for individuals who are concerned about the long-term effects of immunosuppressants, which can increase the risk of infections like tuberculosis or pneumonia.
Safe & Well-Tolerated
Phototherapy is considered one of the safest treatment options for chronic skin conditions, as supported by the National Psoriasis Foundation, which cites it as the safest therapy for psoriasis. Side effects are generally minor, like temporary redness or dryness, and the therapy is well-tolerated by most patients.
Customizable Treatment Plans
Dermatologists can tailor phototherapy treatments to meet the specific needs of each patient. The treatment schedule, light intensity, and duration can be adjusted based on the severity of the skin condition, ensuring that patients receive a personalized approach.
Long-Term Remission
For many conditions, phototherapy can lead to long periods of remission. This is especially true for psoriasis and vitiligo, where regular treatments can help maintain clear skin and reduce the frequency of flare-ups.
Safe for All Ages
Phototherapy is suitable for both children and adults. It’s often a safe and effective treatment option for children with moderate-to-severe skin conditions who may not be candidates for stronger medications.
Improves Quality of Life
By reducing the symptoms of chronic skin conditions, phototherapy can significantly improve patients’ quality of life. It helps alleviate discomfort, improves the appearance of the skin, and can boost self-confidence by reducing visible symptoms like redness, scaling, or depigmentation.
Short Treatment Sessions
Phototherapy has been used for decades and is backed by clinical studies demonstrating its efficacy. It remains a trusted treatment for dermatologists worldwide due to its consistent and proven results.
Proven Track Record
Phototherapy has been used for decades and is backed by clinical studies demonstrating its efficacy. It remains a trusted treatment for dermatologists worldwide due to its consistent and proven results.
Why Texas Dermatology Trusts NatBio
Texas Dermatology is pleased to offer phototherapy using NatBio, or National Biological Corporation, devices and machines for phototherapy because of their proven reliability, advanced technology, and ability to deliver effective, FDA-cleared treatments for conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and vitiligo. NatBio is known for producing high-quality phototherapy devices that are well-regarded offering patient-friendly phototherapy solutions.
Advanced Design & Sturdy Construction
NatBio’s devices are known for their durable build and advanced design, ensuring long-lasting, effective performance in both clinical and home settings.
Precision Treatment
NatBio’s devices are known for their durable build and advanced design, ensuring long-lasting, effective performance in both clinical and home settings.
Trusted by Top Medical Institutions
NatBio devices are used by top institutions like the Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, and University of California at San Francisco, reflecting the trust and credibility NatBio has earned in the medical community.
FAQs
What Is Narrowband UVB Phototherapy?
Narrowband UVB phototherapy uses a focused range of ultraviolet light (311-313 nanometers) to treat skin conditions like psoriasis, vitiligo, and eczema. This targeted light therapy slows abnormal skin cell growth, reduces inflammation, and promotes healing. Narrowband UVB is preferred over broad-spectrum UVB for its effectiveness and reduced side effects. Treatments are customized to the patient's skin type and response.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Phototherapy is generally safe and well-tolerated, with minimal side effects like temporary redness or dryness. Unlike systemic treatments like biologics, phototherapy carries a lower risk of serious side effects and is FDA-cleared as one of the safest options for managing conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
Is Phototherapy The Same As A Tanning Bed?
No, phototherapy is not the same as a tanning bed. Phototherapy is a medical treatment prescribed by healthcare professionals to target specific skin conditions like psoriasis, vitiligo, and eczema using controlled doses of UV light. Tanning beds, on the other hand, emit higher-intensity UVA light for cosmetic tanning and do not provide the therapeutic benefits of phototherapy.
How Long Does It Take To See Results?
The time it takes to see results from phototherapy can vary depending on the condition being treated and individual response. Most patients begin to see improvement within 2 to 4 weeks of starting treatment, with significant results often occurring after several months of consistent therapy. Your dermatologist will adjust the frequency and duration of sessions to achieve the best results based on your skin’s progress.
Why Choose Texas Dermatology For Phototherapy
Choosing Texas Dermatology for phototherapy ensures that you receive care from an experienced team of board-certified dermatologists using the latest, FDA-cleared technology to treat conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and vitiligo. At Texas Dermatology, patient safety and comfort are prioritized. Each phototherapy session is customized to the individual’s needs, with treatments precisely tailored to ensure maximum effectiveness with minimal side effects.
The clinic’s expertise in managing complex skin conditions makes them a trusted leader in phototherapy, offering patients reliable results and comprehensive care. Whether you’re in San Antonio, Kenedy, New Braunfels, or surrounding areas, we’re here to support you on your journey to healthy, clearer skin. Discover the benefits by scheduling a consultation with us today.
Texas Dermatology Med Spa
Services & Pricing Guide
Download our exclusive Services & Pricing Guide and learn more about our incredible Med Spa services.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
Our network of leading dermatologists and skin care experts are conveniently located throughout the San Antonio & New Braunfels, Texas area.
Pay Online
An easy way to pay with special financing options to help spread your healthcare bill payments over time. All the convenience — with no extra fees!
