Phototherapy for Psoriasis
Phototherapy is when your dermatologist (skin doctor) uses ultraviolet (UV) light to treat your psoriasis. It works because UV light reduces the inflammation of your skin helping to clear, but not cure, your psoriasis.
A course of phototherapy can vary in duration, depending on what type you receive. Some types last around 8–10 weeks while others need up to 16 weeks. You will need to go into the Phototherapy Unit in hospital two or three times a week to receive it.
You will be treated with either UVA or UVB light. UVA reaches deeper layers of skin and so is used for more severe psoriasis, but is more likely to have side effects. With UVA (also called PUVA) treatment you will need to take a tablet or take a bath with a sensitiser called psoralen.
You may not be able to have phototherapy if you can’t attend the sessions, if you are taking medicine that suppresses your immune system, or makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight, or if you are pregnant (only UVA).
The side effects are generally short-lived such as sunburn, dry, itchy skin, rash, and blisters where your psoriasis appears. Psoralen may also make you feel sick, and in some cases, your psoriasis might get worse before it gets better. There are also some longer term side effects that your doctor will discuss with you.
The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical care. If you have any concerns about your health or medicine, you should consult your healthcare specialist or general practitioner.
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the patient information leaflet. You can also report side effects directly in the UK via the Yellow Card Scheme website: https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/ or via the the MHRA Yellow Card App in the Google Play or Apple App Store. In Ireland please report via the HPRA at https://www.hpra.ie/homepage/about-us/report-an-issue.
You can also report adverse events to UCB at UCBCares.UK@ucb.com or UCBCares.IE@ucb.com.
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