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Psoriasis Awareness Month: How Home Phototherapy Can Help You Manage Symptoms 

August 1, 2025

August is Psoriasis Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about a chronic skin condition that affects over 8 million people in the United States alone. Psoriasis is more than just a skin issue—it’s an autoimmune condition that can impact your quality of life. This month, we’re highlighting the benefits of home phototherapy as a powerful and convenient treatment option.

What Is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a long-lasting skin condition that causes skin cells to build up too quickly. This buildup forms red, scaly patches that may itch, burn, or crack. While psoriasis is not contagious, it’s a serious condition that can range from mild to severe.

There are several types of psoriasis:

  • Plaque Psoriasis: The most common form, showing up as red patches covered with silvery-white scales.
  • Guttate Psoriasis: Small, dot-like lesions, often triggered by infections like strep throat.
  • Inverse Psoriasis: Smooth red patches in body folds like underarms, groin, or under the breasts.
  • Pustular Psoriasis: White pustules surrounded by red skin.
  • Erythrodermic Psoriasis: A rare but severe type that causes widespread redness and discomfort.

Traditional Psoriasis Treatments

There is no cure for psoriasis, but many treatments can help reduce symptoms and flare-ups. These include:

Topical Treatments:

  • Corticosteroids – reduce redness and itching
  • Vitamin D creams – slow skin cell growth
  • Retinoids – promote healthy skin turnover
  • Salicylic acid – softens and removes scales
  • Coal tar – helps with itching and inflammation

Systemic Medications (For Moderate to Severe Psoriasis):

  • Biologics – target specific immune responses
  • Methotrexate – slows skin cell production
  • Cyclosporine – suppresses immune activity
  • Acitretin – helps normalize skin growth
  • Apremilast – reduces inflammation in the body

What Is Phototherapy for Psoriasis?

Phototherapy—also known as light therapy—involves exposing the skin to controlled amounts of ultraviolet (UV) light to slow down the overproduction of skin cells. This can help relieve itching, scaling, and inflammation.

Types of Phototherapy:

  • Narrowband UVB – the most common and effective for psoriasis
  • Broadband UVB – less commonly used today
  • PUVA (Psoralen + UVA) – used for more stubborn cases

Why More People Are Choosing Home Phototherapy

For many people, home phototherapy is a safe, effective, and more convenient way to manage psoriasis. Instead of visiting a clinic several times a week, you can treat your skin from the comfort of your own home using FDA-cleared devices.

Key Benefits of Home Phototherapy:

  • Convenience: Treat your skin on your schedule—no more clinic trips.
  • Consistency: Easier to stick with treatment, which leads to better results.
  • Cost Savings: One-time purchase often covered by insurance; can save on transportation and co-pays.
  • Privacy: Manage your skin without feeling self-conscious.
  • Safety: Today’s home devices are built with safety features like timers and dose tracking to prevent overexposure.

Home Phototherapy Backed by Research: The LITE Study

The LITE Study (Light Treatment Effectiveness study), a major U.S. clinical trial, found that home phototherapy is just as effective as in-office treatments for psoriasis. Patients using home devices saw significant improvement and high satisfaction with their treatment.

Home phototherapy devices like those from Phothera include easy-to-use controllers that help ensure accurate treatment times and safe UV exposure.

Is Home Phototherapy Right for You?

Before starting any treatment, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider. A proper diagnosis and understanding of your psoriasis type and severity will help guide the best treatment plan.

  • You may be a good candidate for home phototherapy if:
  • You have mild to moderate psoriasis
  • You’re looking for a convenient and cost-effective treatment
  • You want to avoid long-term systemic medication side effects
  • You’ve responded well to UV treatments in the past

Tips for Managing Psoriasis at Home

  • Follow your treatment schedule—consistency is key
  • Moisturize daily to prevent dryness and flaking
  • Avoid triggers like stress, alcohol, smoking, and certain medications
  • Maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise
  • Stay informed—know your options and speak up if your treatment isn’t working

Explore Home Phototherapy With Phothera

At Phothera, we’re proud to offer safe, effective home phototherapy devices designed to help you manage psoriasis with confidence. As we observe Psoriasis Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to explore new treatment options and take control of your skin health.