Frequently Asked Questions

Phototherapy, also known as light therapy, is a medical treatment that involves exposing a person to specific wavelengths of light to treat various health conditions. Different types of light, such as ultraviolet (UV), visible, or infrared light, can be used for phototherapy, depending on the condition being treated. Phototherapy works by influencing biological processes in the body through light absorption. The light energy is absorbed by T-11 helper cells and tissues, which can lead to various therapeutic effects.

Narrowband UVB (ultraviolet B) phototherapy is a treatment that uses a specific, targeted range of UV light (311–313 nm) to help manage a variety of skin conditions.

It works by exposing the skin to controlled doses of UVB light, which can help:

• Slow excessive skin cell growth
• Reduce inflammation
• Support healing in affected areas

It is commonly used for conditions such as psoriasis, vitiligo, eczema, and other inflammatory skin disorders. Compared with broad-spectrum UVB, narrowband UVB is more targeted, often more effective, and associated with fewer side effects such as burning or skin damage.

Treatment is delivered in short, controlled sessions, with frequency and duration determined by a healthcare provider based on your condition and skin response. Consistent monitoring helps ensure safe, effective results over time.

Some topical products and medications can affect phototherapy results or increase skin sensitivity to UV light.

• Certain lotions may contain UV-blocking ingredients that reduce treatment effectiveness, similar to sunscreen on treatable areas
• Some products and medications can make the skin more sensitive to light (photosensitize), increasing the risk of reactions
• Ingredients to watch for include essential oils like lime, lemon, or orange, as well as coal tar, psoralens, and retinoids

Before starting phototherapy, review all medications, topical treatments, and skincare products with your healthcare provider to ensure they are compatible with your treatment plan.

Red light therapy and narrowband UVB phototherapy use completely different parts of the light spectrum — and they work in different ways.

Red light therapy uses visible red and near-infrared light (620-700 for outer skin penetration and 780-1000 nm for deeper treatments). It’s generally used to calm inflammation, support healing, and stimulate skin cells from the outside in. Over-the-counter red light therapy devices do not need a prescription.

Narrowband UVB (NB-UVB) uses a specific, carefully controlled wavelength of ultraviolet light. Rather than working on the skin’s surface, it works directly with your immune system and pigment-producing cells — which is why it’s the treatment doctors prescribe for conditions like vitiligo, psoriasis, and eczema. It’s backed by decades of clinical research and is the standard of care recommended in treatment guidelines for these conditions.

No—phototherapy and tanning beds both use light, but they are very different in purpose, safety, and how they work.

Phototherapy
Phototherapy is a medical treatment prescribed by a healthcare provider to treat skin conditions. It uses controlled doses of UV light—most commonly narrowband UVB (311 nm)—to target specific skin cells. Treatments are carefully monitored with precise dosing and timing to maximize benefits and minimize risks like skin damage. It is commonly used for conditions such as psoriasis, vitiligo, CTCL, and eczema.

Tanning Beds
Tanning beds are designed to darken the skin by increasing melanin production, primarily using UVA light. They are not medical treatments and are not regulated for therapeutic use. Overexposure to tanning beds is associated with significant risks, including premature skin aging and an increased risk of skin cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies tanning devices as Group 1 carcinogens, meaning they are known to cause cancer in humans.

In summary: Phototherapy is a controlled, medically supervised treatment for specific conditions, while tanning beds are cosmetic devices that carry serious health risks and should be avoided.

Phototherapy and tanning beds both involve exposing the skin to light, but they are used for different purposes and utilize different types of light.

Phototherapy and LED light therapy are related, but not the same and work differently on your body. LED light therapy is a specific type of phototherapy that uses light-emitting diodes to emit targeted wavelengths of light for cosmetic and dermatological purposes. Prescription narrowband phototherapy, on the other hand, encompasses a broader range of treatments using various types of light to address a wide array of medical conditions beyond cosmetic concerns. Narrowband ultraviolet phototherapy uses UV light, such as UVB or UVA, and should be administered under medical supervision and is often used to treat skin conditions like psoriasis, vitiligo, eczema, and other health issues.

Yes, it’s possible to undergo certain types of phototherapy at home under the guidance and supervision of your healthcare professional with our in-home phototherapy devices available by prescription. It’s important to note that in-home phototherapy is not suitable for everyone, and the decision to undergo treatment at home should always be made in consultation with a medical professional. Self-administered phototherapy, such as utilizing a 3rd party or used device, without proper guidance can lead to ineffective treatment, adverse effects, or exacerbation of the underlying condition. Always prioritize your safety and follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations.

Phothera offers a range of in-home and clinical phototherapy devices, from handheld units to full-body systems, with options for a variety of treatment needs. Ask your doctor today about narrowband phototherapy in their offices.

Phototherapy treatment plans are doctor-directed, meaning your doctor will inform you of the number of treatments or times per week you should be using your device. Typically, narrowband phototherapy treatments are done 3 times per week.

With consistent treatment, many people start to see visible improvement within a few months. Results can vary from person to person, so staying consistent is what matters most for a phototherapy treatment.

Phothera prides itself on getting our light therapy devices to those who need them the most – regardless of the cost. Our dedicated team will work tirelessly with you and your insurance provider to help maximize coverage and minimize out-of-pocket costs of phototherapy.

No insurance or high, out-of-pocket deductibles? No problem. We offer discounted cash pricing and convenient pay options that ensure you get the treatment you need at a price you can afford. What are you waiting for? Contact Phothera today!

Your doctor may prescribe you a specific number of treatments. When your at-home device controller has reached its limits of prescribed treatments, to obtain a refill code, contact your healthcare provider. They will request a new refill code from Phothera, and once approved, you’ll receive a new code to continue treatment. We will bill your insurance as usual, consistent with your insurance plan benefits.

Sometimes temporary reddening of the skin (your doctor may call it mild, transient erythema) where the skin becomes normal colored when pressure is put on the reddened area. This can occur throughout the course of treatment and is expected to resolve quickly.

Contact your doctor if your still stays red for more than 48-hours after your treatment.

Most phototherapy lamps (you may refer to them as “bulbs”) last about 300 hours of use. Check your device manual for instructions on monitoring lamp life and replacement recommendations. It’s important to monitor lamp usage and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure optimal treatment results and device efficiency.

Many plans may cover home phototherapy devices when medical criteria are met. Our team can help determine coverage and work with your insurance provider throughout the process. Learn more about the Phothera Cares patient program to see all the program has to offer.

Here are some considerations for patients to remember when doing at-home treatments:

• It is recommended for patients to use lip balm and/or sunscreen with SPF ≥ 30 applied to non-treated areas.
• Do not use over skin eruptions
• The patient and anyone in view of the device must wear the provided UV blocking glasses or goggles designed to block 100% of all UVA and UVB light from the eye area when worn
• Do not remove protective eyewear, or any other protective equipment, during treatment
• All other people and pets should leave the area to avoid unwanted exposure to ultraviolet light
• If photosensitizing treatment are being used as part of the treatment, the eyes should be protected from exposure to ultraviolet (sunlight) for 24 hours after taking the treatment
• Patients should center their body between the lamps during treatment to avoid over exposure to isolated areas of the body

Coverage varies by insurance plan. Contact your provider to confirm eligibility, requirements, and any associated costs for in-office or in-home phototherapy. Phothera continues to work with major insurance companies to improve coverage of devices. Learn more about the Phothera Cares patient program to see all the program has to offer.

Lamp Disposal
UV lamps contain mercury and should be recycled according to local regulations. Do not leave used lamps in the device. If you’re unsure how to dispose of them, contact your local waste or recycling provider for fluorescent lamp recycling information.

Device Disposal
Due to regulatory restrictions, Phothera cannot purchase, resell, accept, or dispose of used devices. To dispose of your phototherapy device, please contact your local recycling center for guidance.