Home Phototherapy Matched Office Results for Psoriasis
Patients with psoriasis achieved clearer skin at home, though experts noted key safety and regulatory gaps to consider.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Beauty
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A narrative review published in September 2026 evaluated 12 studies to assess the viability of home-based narrowband ultraviolet-B phototherapy. The findings indicate that home treatment can be as effective as office visits for patients managing plaque or guttate psoriasis.
Why it matters
While home-based treatment offers a significant improvement in adherence compared to office visits, current gaps in long-term safety data and regulatory standards remain. Addressing these issues is essential for ensuring equitable access and clinical safety for patients across the United States.
A narrative review of 12 studies conducted between 2020 and 2026 synthesized findings from the LITE trial, which randomized 783 patients across 42 practices. The analysis highlighted that home phototherapy produced comparable clinical outcomes to professional oversight.
The players
Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed
The medical journal that published the narrative review on phototherapy outcomes.
The details
Home-based phototherapy utilizes specialized machines with guided dosimetry, allowing patients to administer controlled ultraviolet-B light treatments at home. Data from the LITE trial showed that patients at home achieved better adherence rates of 51.4%, compared to 15.9% for those required to visit dermatology practices. However, researchers noted a higher incidence of persistent erythema in the home-treated group at 5.9% versus 1.2% in the office setting.
Timeline
January 2020 through March 2026 served as the study period for the narrative review.
The LITE randomized clinical trial was published in 2024.
The LITE trial treatment period lasted 12 weeks.
The narrative review was published in September 2026.
Health Landscape
The LITE trial serves as the primary evidence base for comparing home-based versus clinical phototherapy protocols. This review extends those findings by highlighting the remaining systemic and safety barriers to universal home-based care adoption.
If you are managing plaque or guttate psoriasis, you may want to discuss the potential for home-based phototherapy with your dermatologist to determine if it is a safe option for your needs. Pay close attention to any signs of persistent erythema or skin irritation when using at-home light devices.
The takeaway
Home-based phototherapy demonstrates significant potential for improving treatment adherence and skin clearance in psoriasis patients. Discussing the pros and cons of specialized dosimetry equipment with your doctor can help you weigh the convenience of home care against necessary safety monitoring.
Further reading
For more information on skin condition management, visit Beauty.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Ajmc.
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