Photochemotherapy and eczema

Hello,

My dermatologist recommended that I begin photochemotherapy to treat my moderate/severe eczema. I no longer have insurance and so am afraid I will be unable to afford the treatment.

Are regular visits to a tanning bed an effective alternative?

Thanks,

Adriana

[Dr Santos]

Hi Adriana,

Light treatment or phototherapy is another option for unresponsive and severe eczema. UVB light therapy can be extremely beneficial, as can PUVA, which involves a combination of a drug called psoralen taken by mouth, followed two hours later by UVA light treatment. Short-term side effects of light treatment include sunburn-like reactions, and potential long-term side effects include premature skin ageing (aging) and skin cancer. During photochemotherapy, you stand in a booth that contains light tubes that give off UV light. Goggles are used to protect the eyes during treatment. This is not to be confused with ordinary tanning beds. A tanning bed or sunbed is a device emitting ultraviolet radiation (typically 95% UVA and 5% UVB, +/-3%) used to produce a cosmetic tan.

It would be best to discuss this with your doctor, whether light treatment is enough or with some medications. Take care and regards.