Phototherapy for dermatitis is done because patients sometimes do not need emergency therapy. For those with atopic dermatitis, they can have treatment for acute flares that are caused by bacterial infections and eczema herpeticum. The symptoms of eczema often show up itchy and red rashes on legs and arms.

Applying Moisturizer

There are ways to treat these bacterial infections. One of them is applying moisturizer. This treatment is done depending on the climates. Take warm baths for around 5 minutes, and after that try to apply a moisturizer such as white petroleum.

Or you can also put emulsifying oils to your warm water to hydrate your skin. The oil will keep the water on your skin and be used to prevent evaporation. For babies, do it three times a day, and for adults do it twice a day. And after bathing, keep your body wet.

Risks and Benefits of Phototherapy

Light therapy or phototherapy UV light can be used for skin treatment. They use the power or UV light to cure eczema symptoms. For people who suffer from atopic dermatitis, this treatment can be an effective weapon to ease the symptoms.

Phototherapy for dermatitis is mostly done by adults with widespread symptoms, or for those who do not respond to the first base treatment, for instance, topical steroids treatment or moisturizer.

Phototherapy is effective. Some patients feel some improvements after getting this treatment. Here, they will be exposed by UV light, and the aims are to reduce itch and inflammation. Some patients might feel that phototherapy is time-consuming because they need to follow so many visits to doctors and many treatments. But they can see that this cure is quite effective. The successful result even the patients’ skin return to normal appearance.

Yet, phototherapy for dermatitis also has risks. One risk one may get is the result of the exposure of UV light that will cause skin cancer or melanoma because of the production of genetic mutations. For men whose genitals are exposed by the UV light may have a higher risk of genital cancer. And for those with fair skin, it will result in premature aging. Phototherapy treatment may also cause stinging, redness, and burning. When patients have this treatment, they will wear goggles to prevent eye damage.

Because of these risks, dermatologist asks patients to do treatment only twice to three times a week, or in a controlled dose. The treatment is also done under the supervision of a physician.