The slight chill in the air has us excited for a new season and a much better year. We love everything about fall from sipping pumpkin spice lattes to watching football. One thing our patients don’t love however, is how the cold, dry autumn air can flare up their eczema. With October being Eczema Awareness Month, we wanted to share how light therapy is helping many of our patients at The Derm Group manage their flare ups.
Why Light Therapy?
Many people are embarrassed by the unsightly rashes from eczema and want treatment fast. While earlier methods of treating the problem involved creams, ointments and steroids, it was difficult to manage and messy. The Derm Group’s board-certified dermatologists have a unique way to treat this pesky condition. Light therapy, or phototherapy, uses ultraviolet light to help prevent immune system responses that trigger eczema. If you’re ready to try this treatment to reduce irritation from patchy, rough, red patches, we’re here to help!
Light Therapy for Eczema
Light therapy is one of the most effective treatment options for many patients, especially those who are not satisfied with topical creams and steroids. The treatment uses different wavelengths of ultraviolet (UV) light, based on your condition, and helps to reduce itch and inflammation. This is not the same as suntanning, however. Your derm will use a special UV light with filters to deliver the appropriate amounts of light to reduce the underlying issue causing your eczema. We can easily perform this in office with quick results, in as little as 20 to 30 minutes. While you may notice an immediate effect, it can take one to two months of treatment to see long-term improvement in eczema symptoms. We love seeing patients grow confident in controlling their eczema flare ups and showing smooth skin!
Manage Eczema During Light Therapy
Before your light therapy appointment with your derm, try to rub itchy spots versus scratching and eliminate common irritants like heavily scented laundry detergents, lotions and fragrances. When choosing long-sleeve shirts this fall, opt for 100% cotton to let your skin breathe and not chafe any patchy skin. And always keep your skin moisturized from head to toe with a fragrance-free moisturizer.
Because there is no cure for eczema, living with it means managing symptoms with your dermatologist. For recommendations on treatment options, schedule an appointment with The Derm Group by calling 973.571.2121.