Psoriasis Patients Can Get Clearer Skin at Home

For decades, people with psoriasis have sought relief from their itchy, scaly skin in doctor’s offices with narrowband ultraviolet B (nbUVB) phototherapy, also known as light therapy. Now, groundbreaking research from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania shows that patients can achieve equally effective results with at-home phototherapy devices.

The LITE (Light Treatment Effectiveness) study, published in JAMA Dermatology, found that 60% of patients who followed the prescribed light therapy course twice a week—either at home or in a clinic—experienced clear or mostly clear skin after 12 weeks of treatment.

At-Home Phototherapy: Convenience and Compliance

Importantly, the study revealed that patients who received at-home treatment were more likely to adhere to the recommended treatment schedule and found it more convenient than making trips to a doctor’s office. This reduced the financial burden associated with travel costs and time off work.

“Our research should influence clinical practice right away,” said lead author Joel Gelfand, MD, the James J. Leyden, M.D. Endowed Professor in Clinical Investigation in the Department of Dermatology at Penn. “Many insurance companies cover at-home phototherapy but make it very difficult to obtain coverage. Insurance companies should make the approval process easier for this treatment. Dermatologists should prescribe at-home phototherapy for managing psoriasis when medically appropriate and when preferred by their patients,” added Gelfand.

Home vs. Clinic: Understanding the Differences

The study revealed that patients receiving home phototherapy were more than three times more likely than those going to a clinic to maintain the recommended treatment frequency of twice per week. This highlights the significant advantage of at-home treatment in ensuring consistent and effective psoriasis management.

“Medications to treat psoriasis have a risk of side effects including increased risk of infection. Some patients prefer medication-free treatment,” said Gelfand. “Our study is important because it increases the options available to both clinicians and patients and gives patients the power to pursue treatment that best fits their needs and preferences,” he added.

A More Representative Approach to Psoriasis Research

The LITE study also distinguished itself from other psoriasis research by prioritizing diversity and representation. Researchers ensured the inclusion of individuals with various skin types and colors, seeking to understand whether the effectiveness of at-home and in-clinic treatments differed based on skin tone.

“Whether you have very fair skin or very darkly pigmented skin, we found no difference in effectiveness of phototherapy at home or in a physician’s office,” explained Gelfand, “except that patients in general did better at home because they were able to receive treatment more consistently.”