CLT Skin Conditions & Pathology for Light Therapy

Question 1

Which skin condition is characterized by accelerated keratinocyte proliferation, silver-white plaques, and is commonly treated with narrowband UVB light therapy?

Accepted Answer

Psoriasis

Answer

Psoriasis involves rapid skin cell turnover producing thick plaques, and narrowband UVB phototherapy is an evidence-based treatment that slows this proliferation.

Question 2

What is vitiligo, and which light therapy approach is used to treat it?

Accepted Answer

Loss of melanocytes causing depigmented patches, treated with narrowband UVB or excimer laser

Answer

Vitiligo results from melanocyte destruction, and narrowband UVB or targeted excimer laser can stimulate repigmentation by activating residual melanocyte precursors.

Question 3

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is primarily treated with which type of light therapy?

Accepted Answer

Bright white light (10,000 lux) exposure in the morning

Answer

SAD light therapy uses a 10,000-lux bright white light box delivered in the morning to reset circadian rhythms and improve mood in winter months.

Question 4

Which skin type, according to the Fitzpatrick Scale, carries the highest risk of UV-induced hyperpigmentation and requires the most conservative light therapy dosing?

Accepted Answer

Fitzpatrick Types V and VI (brown to dark brown/black skin)

Answer

Darker Fitzpatrick skin types (V–VI) have higher melanin density and are more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from aggressive light exposure.

Question 5

What is actinic keratosis, and why is it significant for a CLT planning light therapy?

Accepted Answer

A pre-cancerous UV-damaged lesion that may contraindicate certain light therapies and requires physician evaluation

Answer

Actinic keratoses are pre-malignant lesions caused by UV damage, and applying additional light therapy to these areas requires physician clearance to avoid promoting progression.

CLT - Certified Light Therapist Practice Test

CLT - Certified Light Therapist Practice Test

CLT Skin Conditions & Pathology for Light Therapy