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Phototherapy Treatment: Patient Instructions

 

What is Phototherapy?

Phototherapy is the use of ultraviolet (UV) light to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis, mycosis fungoides, atopic dermatitis, vitiligo, and others. You will have this treatment in a machine called a phototherapy unit or booth. The UV light delivered in these machines helps skin cells function normally. With regular phototherapy treatment, your skin cells start to heal and symptoms of your condition may go away.

 

How Do I Prepare for my Phototherapy Treatments? 

  • Please arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. 

  • Make sure your skin is clean, without any cream, lotion, deodorant, perfume or cologne, or makeup. 

  • Let our Registered Nurse (RN) staff know if you have started any new prescription medications, changed doses of current prescription medications, or have taken any over-the-counter medications or supplements. This is because some medications can make your skin more sensitive to light, which can increase your risk of a burn. (These medications may be called “photosensitizing.”) We can still treat you but we need to adjust your dose. 

  • Let RN staff know if you had any symptoms of a burn after your last treatment before you receive your next treatment. 

  • Let RN staff know about any new allergies or any new medical conditions. You must also let them know if you become pregnant. 

  • Note: patients with a penis – please bring in a sock to shield your genitals from the light. 

 

What Happens During Treatment?  

  • Your doctor will decide what your phototherapy dose will be. Then RN staff will adjust this dose based on how your skin responded to your last treatment, the number of days between treatments, and whether you have taken any photosensitizing medications. 

  • While in the phototherapy booth do not change positions. Do not expose any areas of your body that are supposed to be shielded. Doing so may cause a burn. If this happens, it could delay your treatment progress. 

  • Note: If you have any concerns about your treatment or if you wish to change your treatment at any time, you must first consult with one of our phototherapy doctors. 

 

What About Scheduling? 

  • You must make sure to schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctor every 5-7 phototherapy treatments. If you do not have these follow-up appointments on time, we may have to cancel any future treatments until you have seen your phototherapy doctor. (Note: You may have other doctors managing your skin condition, but only our phototherapy doctors can make changes to your phototherapy treatment plan.) 

  • The best schedule for your phototherapy treatments is to have them at least 1 day apart. If this is not possible, you may be able to come for treatment 2 days in a row if you did not have any symptoms of a burn on the first day. Please note that no patient can have treatment for 3 days in a row. 

  • We cannot treat you if you have a sunburn. Please do not come in for a treatment with a sunburn. We will ask you to wait until your burn heals completely before you have another treatment. If you need to cancel the appointment or would like to speak to a registered nurse, please call the office at 646-501-6824. 

 

What Can I Expect After Phototherapy Treatment?

  • Try to avoid direct sunlight after treatment. If you cannot avoid having your skin exposed to natural sunlight right after treatment, you must use sunscreen (at least SPF 30+). 

  • Your skin may be pink or red – this should get better within 24 hours. If your skin is still pink or red after 24 hours and feels warm to touch, tender or painful, then you may have a burn (like a sunburn). If the burn is severe and you are having major discomfort, please let the phototherapy staff know no more than 24 hours after your treatment. A doctor may be able to prescribe medication to help ease your symptoms. You can also use aloe or cream to help soothe the burned areas. Please do NOT have another treatment until your skin is fully healed from a burn. 

  • Phototherapy may give you dry skin. You can use over-the-counter moisturizers to ease this symptom. 

  • You may feel some itchiness after your first few phototherapy treatments or after a long break between treatments. Please do not scratch your skin. 

 

Please let our RN staff know if you have questions about your treatment. They can help you with any questions or concerns. They can also bring your concerns to one of our doctors if needed at (646) 501-7824.

 

©2023 NYU Langone Health. All rights reserved. Reviewed for health literacy. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care provider's instructions.