Phototherapy for Itch

Phototherapy is an effective treatment modality for many types of pruritus. Although the exact mechanisms by which phototherapy reduces itch vary across pruritic conditions, its effects may result from immune suppression and/or neural modulation. In this article, the authors review the efficacy of different types of phototherapy for common inflammatory and noninflammatory pruritic conditions and discuss common side effects, such as erythema and exacerbation of pruritus. Although phototherapy may be an effective and relatively safe option for skin-directed treatment of chronic itch, barriers may exist for individual patients.