Phototherapy Make an Appointment Refer a Patient Ask a Question Reviewed by Mark Boguniewicz, MD (December 01, 2012) Exposure to natural sunlight or ultraviolet light often helps people with eczema. However, it can be counterproductive if at the same time patients are exposed to heat and humidity, which causes them to perspire and itch or get sunburned. Phototherapy with many different types of ultraviolet light may be prescribed, such as broad-band ultraviolet B, broad-band ultraviolet A, narrow-band UVB, or combined UVAB light. Tanning beds are not an appropriate eczema therapy. This treatment should be used in conjunction with other therapies. It also should be reserved for patients with especially severe atopic dermatitis because of potential long-term adverse effects, including premature aging of the skin and skin cancer. Day Hospitalization Psychological Counseling Clinical Trials For more than 100 years, National Jewish Health has been committed to finding new treatments and cures for diseases. Search our clinical trials. Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) & Skin-Infection Risk
Reviewed by Mark Boguniewicz, MD (December 01, 2012) Exposure to natural sunlight or ultraviolet light often helps people with eczema. However, it can be counterproductive if at the same time patients are exposed to heat and humidity, which causes them to perspire and itch or get sunburned. Phototherapy with many different types of ultraviolet light may be prescribed, such as broad-band ultraviolet B, broad-band ultraviolet A, narrow-band UVB, or combined UVAB light. Tanning beds are not an appropriate eczema therapy. This treatment should be used in conjunction with other therapies. It also should be reserved for patients with especially severe atopic dermatitis because of potential long-term adverse effects, including premature aging of the skin and skin cancer. Day Hospitalization Psychological Counseling