false

Phototherapy

As the nation’s first phototherapy center, we have deep expertise using ultraviolet light therapy to minimize inflammation caused by chronic skin conditions. You have access to safe, innovative phototherapy options found only at select centers nationwide.
style
palette-deep-blue
showJumplinks
true

Pioneers in phototherapy for chronic skin disorders

Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun can improve certain skin disorders, but it also causes skin damage and skin cancer. Phototherapy safely uses UV light to treat more than 30 skin disorders with minimal risk. The Mass General Brigham Phototherapy Center, founded in 1974, was the first of its kind in the U.S. Today, we deliver more than 13,000 UV radiation treatments every year, including novel phototherapies not widely available elsewhere. We offer safe care for healthier skin.
center
tertiary
internal-arrow
Part of Dermatology
/content/unified-xwalk/en/services/dermatology
style
palette-white
showJumplinks
true

Experts in phototherapy skin treatments

Our nationally renowned dermatologists have decades of phototherapy experience. We help you understand your condition and treatment options to get the results you seek.
About phototherapy
Phototherapy is a treatment, not a cure. It allows your provider to deliver safe, controlled, therapeutic doses of UV light to your entire body or targeted areas. This light exposure calms an overactive immune response that causes inflammation and rapid skin cell growth. Many patients come to us when other treatments don’t help. Our goal is to eliminate at least 75% of skin disorder symptoms.
Pioneering leader in innovative phototherapies

As one of the country’s first phototherapy centers, we continue to offer innovative light therapies not widely found elsewhere.

Our center was the first in the U.S. to offer total, whole-body narrow-band UVB phototherapy. We were also the first in the country to offer psoralen ultraviolet A (PUVA) photochemotherapy.

Full spectrum of phototherapy options

Our center delivers all types of phototherapy, including:

  • Oral PUVA photochemotherapy for the whole body
  • Photodynamic therapy with blue light and aminolevulinic acid
  • Targeted UVB phototherapy with an excimer laser to treat hands and feet
  • Total, full-body narrowband UVB phototherapy
  • Photopatch testing to see if the sun or sunscreen is the cause of an allergic skin reaction
Getting phototherapy: What to expect

We customize phototherapy to your unique diagnosis and needs. Most people get light therapy three times a week for three to five months. Your first treatment may only last for 15 to 25 seconds. We’ll gradually increase this exposure time, or dosage. Treatments may then last from 4 to 20 minutes.

To receive treatment, you may:

  • Wear the same undergarments for each session to cover body parts that don’t need treatment and minimize burn lines.
  • Stand in an upright booth as a UV light source passes over your entire body
  • Sit or lie on a table while a provider moves a UV wand or laser device over a targeted treatment area
style
palette-deep-blue
showJumplinks
true
titleJumplinks
Our approach

Advanced UV light therapy for chronic skin conditions

Phototherapy is an effective treatment for chronic skin disorders that cause skin rashes, discoloration, and thickening. We offer all types of phototherapy.
style
palette-white
showJumplinks
true
titleJumplinks
Conditions and treatments

Skin disorder research

Our dermatologists are active in national research and clinical trials to advance the use of phototherapy for chronic skin disorders. We’re pioneers in the study and use of UV light therapies.
Scientist working in laboratory with pipette equipment.
tertiary
external
Search clinical trials
https://clinicaltrials.gov/
style
palette-light-teal
showJumplinks
false
We offer all types of phototherapy, as well as other treatments to manage psoriasis, vitiligo, and other chronic skin conditions.

  • Dermatology

    Our dermatologists care for a wide range of hair, skin, and nail concerns, from acne to nail infections, hair loss, and skin cancer. Schedule an appointment.

  • General Dermatology

    We offer the region’s most extensive range of general dermatology services for all types of skin, hair, and nail conditions. See how we can help you.

  • Multicultural Dermatology

    We offer culturally sensitive dermatology care for people with darker skin tones more prone to keloids, pigmentary disorders, and hair damage. Learn more.

  • Dermatology

    Our dermatologists care for a wide range of hair, skin, and nail concerns, from acne to nail infections, hair loss, and skin cancer. Schedule an appointment.

  • General Dermatology

    We offer the region’s most extensive range of general dermatology services for all types of skin, hair, and nail conditions. See how we can help you.

  • Atopic Dermatitis Services

    We offer comprehensive atopic dermatitis services, including medications and phototherapy, for patients of all ages. See how we treat this skin disease.

  • Autoimmune Skin Disease Program

    Patients with autoimmune skin diseases receive comprehensive care from dermatology and immune system experts. See how our care makes a difference.

  • Contact Dermatitis and Occupational Dermatology

    Contact Dermatitis and Occupational Dermatology is a referral-based specialty service with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and treating allergic reactions of the skin.

  • Pediatric Dermatology

    The Pediatric Dermatology Program at Mass General Brigham for Children provides care for children and adolescents with the full range of acquired and congenital disorders of the skin.

  • Hidradenitis Suppurativa and Neutrophilic Dermatosis Service

    The Hidradenitis Suppurativa and Neutrophilic Dermatosis Service provides comprehensive care for patients with hidradenitis suppurativa and other inflammatory conditions associated with neutrophils.

  • Cutaneous Vasculitis Service

    The Cutaneous Vasculitis Service provides high-quality clinical care to patients in a timely manner and incorporates consideration of systemic disease beyond the skin.

  • Cutaneous Sarcoidosis and Granulomatous Diseases

    We offer expert dermatology services and multidisciplinary care for people with cutaneous sarcoidosis and chronic granulomatous diseases. Learn more.

  • Infectious Skin Diseases Service

    The Infectious Skin Diseases Service offers treatment for patients with complicated primary cutaneous infections or systemic infections with cutaneous manifestations.

  • Genital Skin Disease Service

    Our specialists at the Genital Skin Disease Service offer comprehensive care for both men and women experiencing genital skin issues.

  • Laser and Cosmetics

    We offer the region’s most extensive range of laser skin treatments and nonsurgical cosmetic procedures to improve how you look and feel. See how we can help.

  • Multicultural Dermatology

    We offer culturally sensitive dermatology care for people with darker skin tones more prone to keloids, pigmentary disorders, and hair damage. Learn more.

style
palette-white
showJumplinks
false
titleJumplinks
Services and programs

Contact the Phototherapy Center

Call us to speak with a team member who can help you understand your options and guide you to the care that is right for you. With locations throughout New England and support for patients traveling from outside the United States, we make it easier to access coordinated, expert care.
Phone

Brigham and Women’s Hospital
617-525-9496

Massachusetts General Hospital
617-726-2914

Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital
617-983-7324

Martha’s Vineyard Hospital
508-693-8183

Nantucket Cottage Hospital
508-825-1000

International
International Patient Services
style
palette-light-teal
showJumplinks
true
titleJumplinks
Contact