A review of available laser and intense light source home devices: A dermatologist's perspective.

Home optical devices are mostly used without medical practitioner supervision. As home devices usually deliver less energy per session than with professional treatments, it is important that consumers are given realistic expectations of post-treatment outcomes. Patients may use home devices without disclosure to their physician and it is important as healthcare professionals to be aware of the existence of these devices, how to use the devices properly (including what diseases can be treated and which skin types are considered safe for use), as well as any adverse effects that may occur. New research endeavors are being completed to explore the used of home devices for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis.