India’s Journey: How Phototherapy Helped Me Reclaim My Skin and Confidence
TL;DR
India shares her psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis journey, explaining how UVB phototherapy became a safe and effective treatment—especially during pregnancy—leading to significant symptom improvement, reduced flares, and renewed confidence with consistent therapy over several months.
Psoriasis Treatment, UVB Therapy & Finding Clarity Without Systemics
“My name’s India and I am 25. I have psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, and today we’re going to be talking about my journey with phototherapy.”
India has lived with plaque psoriasis for eight years and psoriatic arthritis for the last three. In that time, she has explored a wide range of psoriasis treatment options, from topical therapies to biologics.
“The biologics, they’re just not for me. And the topical steroids don’t work for me because honestly, I built a resistance to them.”
For many patients, the search for the right psoriasis treatment plan can feel overwhelming. Some treatments may help temporarily, while others come with limitations or side effects that make long-term use difficult.
From Struggle to a New Start: Why Phototherapy Made Sense
By 2024, her symptoms reached a debilitating point.
“I was covered to 90% literally from head to toe before starting phototherapy. It was just getting worse. There was nothing I could do. I was actually pregnant with my son so I couldn’t take any of the medications because it wasn’t safe for my baby.”
This is when India and her care team considered narrowband UVB phototherapy — a dermatologist-recommended psoriasis treatment that uses targeted UVB wavelengths.
“There have been a bunch of studies done that show how effective phototherapy actually can be, and it’s really cool because it treats your psoriasis and your psoriatic arthritis from the outside in instead of from the inside out.”
More Than Skin Deep: Clarity, Confidence & Control
The results were meaningful and long-lasting for India.
“Since I started UVB therapy in 2024, it is now 2025. I have had hardly any flaring in the last year and I’ve maintained 90% clarity. Phototherapy is the safest form of psoriasis treatment for pregnant women out there.”
While results vary person to person, many patients explore phototherapy to support:
- Decreasing psoriasis plaques
- Reducing itching, burning, or scaling
- Slowing rapid skin cell turnover
- Supporting long-term symptom management
- Improving consistency between treatments
“I really struggled with a lot of self-esteem and confidence issues because my skin was so bad and I felt so sick all the time, and doing phototherapy gave my life back to me.”
Many describe phototherapy as a more holistic treatment experience — not just skin improvement, but emotional, social, and lifestyle relief.
My Treatment Journey
India committed to the process with support from her dermatologist.
“I started by going every week, twice a week. In the beginning, because I was really covered, it was about an hour session each time, but that lessened as time went on and my skin got better. I continued my therapy for seven months straight, but I’ve had lasting clarity for now a year.”
Phototherapy for psoriasis can be delivered:
- In dermatology clinics
- In phototherapy centers
- At home, with a prescription and physician instruction
For patients managing flares, systemic medication limitations, pregnancy considerations, or travel challenges, home phototherapy devices can be an alternative their dermatologist may recommend.
Why She Recommends Phototherapy
“People ask me all the time what’s something simple that they can do to help their psoriasis. And one of my go-to things is always, have you heard of phototherapy? I swear by it. I really do.”
Interested in exploring phototherapy?
✔️ Talk to your dermatologist about narrowband UVB light therapy
✔️ Ask if a home phototherapy device may be appropriate for you
✔️ Discuss treatment frequency, goals, safety & expectations
“Wanna learn more about phototherapy? Send me a message and I’m happy to talk.” @indias_psoriasis
Considering Home Phototherapy for Psoriasis?
For patients with a prescription, Phothera offers medical-grade phototherapy devices designed for home use with doctor guidance — making consistent care easier and more accessible.
Learn more about home phototherapy for psoriasis
Talk to your dermatologist to get started
If insurance coverage isn’t available, ask about cash-pay purchase options or current savings programs.
Editor’s Note: India’s story is a personal reflection of her journey with psoriasis and phototherapy. Results may vary, and you should always consult your healthcare provider before beginning new treatments. Statements not intended to replace medical guidance.