PATIENTS WITH CERTAIN DERMATOLOGICAL CONDITIONS that have not responded to conventional treatments may be able to achieve significant improvement in their symptoms through painless, totally noninvasive phototherapy treatments, now offered at Mercy Health Dermatology under the directorship of Erin Heuring, MD.
Dr. Heuring explains that phototherapy uses ultraviolet (UV) light energy that is similar to the UV radiation present in sunlight. However, the UV energy used in phototherapy—called narrowband UVB—has, as the name implies, a more narrow and focused wavelength. “Narrowband UVB has been found to treat a wide variety of dermatological conditions by altering the immune system in the skin so it acts more normally,” she says.
According to Dr. Heuring, psoriasis is probably the most common condition treated with phototherapy. She notes that patients often see improvement within two to three months of therapy and may experience remission for upwards of three to four months after treatment has stopped.
In addition to psoriasis, phototherapy can be effective in treating lichen planus, parapsoriasis, chronic itching/pruritus, eczema/atopic dermatitis, pityriasis lichenoides, pityriasis rosea, vitiligo, mycosis fungoides, and numerous other skin conditions. It’s not a cure for skin conditions, but it can be an excellent option for managing them. Furthermore, phototherapy is very safe with very few potential side effects.
Good candidates for phototherapy meet two criteria: 1) they have a skin condition that responds to narrowband UVB treatments, and 2) they haven’t achieved good results from topical therapies such as ointments and creams. Dr. Heuring adds, “Other patients who might benefit include individuals who have a condition that can be managed with pills or injections but are unable to tolerate their side effects, as well as patients who have other conditions that preclude these treatments. For example, if someone has psoriasis along with another medical condition that puts them at risk for infection, or if they previously had cancer, it wouldn’t be safe to treat them with a medication that suppresses the immune system.” She adds that, unlike many treatments, phototherapy is safe for pregnant women.
Dr. Heuring emphasizes that phototherapy does involve a certain time commitment on the patient’s part, with treatments being administered two to three times per week. However, office hours are flexible and patients can expect to be in and out in only about 15 minutes. “Once you’re here, you just have to undress to expose the affected area and then we apply mineral oil to the site. We’ll also have you put on goggles to protect your eyes. The actual treatment takes only a few seconds to a few minutes,” she says.
The most common side effect of phototherapy is skin redness similar to a mild sunburn, usually appearing the day after treatment. This seldom happens more than once because the treatment dose will then be adjusted to prevent recurrence. Patients may also experience skin dryness and itchiness, which typically resolves after a few treatments.
Dr. Heuring also points out that, as with any exposure to ultraviolet rays, there’s a theoretical risk of premature aging and an increased risk of skin cancer with phototherapy. “But studies have not shown conclusively that phototherapy patients are at increased risk of skin cancer and we don’t really see this in practice,” she states.
For individuals with skin conditions that haven’t responded to conventional therapies, Dr. Heuring’s key message is that narrowband UVB therapy may be a good alternative. “Phototherapy is more effective than creams and ointments in most cases, and it’s safer with a more favorable side-effect profile than pills or injections. It’s also conveniently accessible right here in our office,” she says.
Mercy Health Dermatology is located at 4204 W. Sylvania Ave. Patients may schedule office consultation appointments by calling 567-325-3407.
