Light therapy includes all treatment methods in which UV radiation from the sunlight spectrum is used to achieve an effect on the skin. The most common application of light therapy is to treat inflammatory skin diseases such as eczema (neurodermatitis), psoriasis and itching.
In light therapy, partial or full-body devices are used to emit light in the narrowband UVB range (UV light with a wavelength of around 311 nm) and in the longer-wave UVA range (wavelength of about 320-400 nm).
The short-wave UVB light only penetrates the epidermis, whereas UVA reaches the underlying connective tissue layer (corium/dermis).
UVB thickens the protective stratum corneum layer of the skin surface and stimulates pigment formation, making the skin brown. Excessive exposure causes sunburn, i.e. redness and blistering.
UVA darkens the skin’s existing pigment for a short time (immediate pigmentation). Otherwise, there is no immediate change to the skin. With long-term use, UVA can cause structural changes by penetrating the corial connective tissue. These changes can include an increase in wrinkles and skin ageing.
Our practice offers the option of treatment with UVA, UVB 311 nm narrowband and PUVA. PUVA is the combination of UVA radiation with psoralen, which intensifies UVA therapy. Psoralen is a naturally occurring substance that increases the skin’s sensitivity to light. Less UV light is needed so the exposure time can be shortened.