Light Therapy for Inflammatory Dermatitis

Inflammatory Dermatitis, commonly referred to as eczema or atopic dermatitis, is a common and frustrating skin condition that often presents in children between the ages of five and seven years and may continue throughout adulthood. The condition exhibits patches of itchy red skin that may include raised, weepy bumps. The itching can be torturous, especially at night. Traditional treatment has included topical ointments and oral medications, but new light therapy treatments are showing promise in alleviating symptoms.

Diagnosis

The causes of inflammatory dermatitis are unknown. Experts believe it may be hereditary, that it is frequently associated with asthma or hay fever, and that it may be exacerbated by stress. Whatever the cause, if the symptoms are severe enough that they cause you to lose sleep, or if you believe your skin is getting infected, or if the itch is becoming painful, it is time to consult a health care professional. There is no diagnostic test available for inflammatory dermatitis, so the doctor will make the diagnosis based on a medical examination of your skin and your medical history and through a series of questions. Once a diagnosis of inflammatory dermatitis is made, your physician can recommend an appropriate course of treatment which may include light therapy.

Treatment

There is no cure for inflammatory dermatitis, so the primary purpose of treatment is to reduce inflammation, relieve the itching and prevent recurring outbreaks. In mild cases over-the-counter medications and learning to avoid triggers may control the symptoms, but moderate to severe cases will probably require stronger measures including prescription-strength corticosteroids, antihistamines or immunomodulators. If these steps do not provide sufficient relief, your health care provider may recommend light therapy. In its simplest form this may mean exposing your skin to sunlight for a specified amount of time each day. Your physician may also recommend a course of artificial ultraviolet A (UVA) or ultraviolet B (UVB) light. This light therapy may be administered alone or combined with other medications than can enhance the efficacy of the UV light radiation.

Warning

In many cases light therapy has been shown to be effective in the treatment of inflammatory dermatitis. However, the long-term results of this type of treatment have not been fully ascertained. Harmful effects of UV radiation include an increased risk of skin cancer and premature aging of the skin. Benefits of light therapy should be carefully weighed against possible harmful effects prior to beginning a course of treatment.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Dermatitis
• Merck: Dermatitis
• Phototherapy

Resources

• Ultraviolet Light Therapy
• Insights into Atopic Dermatitis

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