Q: Why is ultraviolet light treatment used to treat some skin problems? I thought UV light was bad for your skin and could lead to skin cancer later on.
A: Ultraviolet light therapy uses UVB, which stands for ultraviolet B light or middle wave ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light has a slightly greater frequency than visible light. UVB has been used for many years to treat a variety of skin disorders including psoriasis and acne. More recently, studies are being carried out to see if it is effective for lupus. We are not sure why UVB works, but it does.
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This light treatment is given two to three times per week for two or three months. After 15 weeks, maintenance therapy is often required once a week. As you point out, there is a slightly increased risk of skin cancer and the therapy can make the skin appear older, with some brown pigmentation or white spots where there is no pigment. About two percent of patients may have some sunburn or blistering and up to eight percent may experience redness. Starting the treatment slowly and gradually increasing the time each session can avoid this. The whole body is usually exposed except for the groin area, which is covered with a towel or underwear, and goggles are used to protect the eyes.
Most patents suffering from serious skin diseases welcome any treatment that helps and accept the light risk involved.
Clare Rowson is a retired medical doctor with a practice near Belleville, Ont. Her columns are intended for general information only. Individuals are encouraged to also seek the advice of their own doctor regarding medical questions and treatments.
