What are the downsides to Phototherapy?

Type:Uv phototherapy Time:2016-01-13 10:57:27

There are several issues with phototherapy that must be considered before starting treatment:

Cost: although generally covered by most insurance plans, some plans do not cover it at all. Others may cover it, but there may be an expensive co-payment due at the time of each treatment, which can get very expensive
Time: for it to be effective, phototherapy generally requires 2-3 treatments per week in the office. Work and school schedules must be considered along with travel time, parking, and the treatment time. For some, this is just not possible, especially given the relatively slow onset of improvement (1-2 months to see improvement, generally)
Risks: burns, increased aging, and increased risk of skin cancer over time are all significant risks with any type of phototherapy. Eye protection must be worn for every treatment to prevent damage to the eyes.