Phototherapy for Psoriasis
PHOTOTHERAPY:
Phototherapy uses natural and artificial light to treat psoriasis.
Sunlight:
Brief, daily exposure to small amounts of sunlight can improve symptoms, but too much sun can cause a worsening of your condition and cause skin damage.
UVB phototherapy :
This uses awavelength of light that is invisible to human eyes - ultraviolet B light. The light slows down the production of skin cells and is an effective treatment against guttate or plaque psoriasis that has not responded to a topical procedure. Treatment takes place at a hospital under the supervision of a dermatologist.
Psoralean plus ultraviolet A (PUVA):
For this treatment, a tablet called psoralean will be given. This makes the skin more sensitive to light. skin is then exposed to a wavelength of light called ultraviolet A. This light penetrates skin more deeply than ultraviolet B light. This treatment may be used if severe psoriasis that have not responded to other treatment. Common side effects of the treatment include nausea, headaches, burning and itchiness. Long-term use of this treatment is not encouraged as it can increase risk of developing skin cancer.
Combination light therapy:
Combining phototherapy with other treatments often increases the effectiveness of
phototherapy. Some doctors use UVB phototherapy in combination with coal tar, as the coal tar
makes the skin more receptive to light. Combining UVB phototherapy with Dithranol cream has also
proved effective.
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