Already used for medical conditions such as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), UV light treatment, combined with anti-fungal drug treatments, is sometimes used to combat a variety of fungal infections, especially those of the skin or nails; however, it is not very common.
Types
Fungi are tiny plants that survive by eating plant or animal material. According to DrGreene.com, certain fungi such as ringworm feed on keratin, the material found in the outer layer of skin, hair and nails.
Significance
UV light may be helpful in ridding the area of infectious fungal spores; however, UV light is not benign, so any UV light treatment should be considered using extreme caution. UV light can cause skin cancer.
Misconceptions
Some believe UV treatment is an option for skin fungus because those who have psoriasis are commonly treated with UV radiation. UV treatment is very good for clearing up skin lesions due to psoriasis.
Warning
Tanning beds are a common way in which people are exposed to UV light and, while it is considered somewhat safe in small doses, there are also risks that go along with it (e.g. skin damage and skin cancer). Most health professionals agree that tanning beds are not safe.
Expert Insight
UV radiation can help identify certain fungus in the hair (tinea capitis) because the hair that is infected will fluoresce green. UV treatment is not often used if there are other ways to identify or treat funguses because of its negative health effects.