Phototherapy in a Dermatology Department may be appropriate for older children and adults with eczema in cases where topical treatment alone fails. The treatment is usually performed daily, lasting up to 4-5 weeks. As eczematous skin can sometimes be irritated by light, the intensity of phototherapy can begin at low settings and then gradually increased.

Natural sunlight and certain bands of ultraviolet light has the greatest beneficial effect on eczema control for these children. Solarium tanning has little effect on eczema and is not recommended.

Phototherapy (Credit: Wikimedia)