UV Lamps & Psoriasis

UV light is distinguished by its bluish hue.

Psoriasis is one of the most angst-producing autoimmune ailments there is. In the U.S. alone, it afflicts 7.5 million people. UV light, in conjunction with topical therapy, has been the method of treatment for all psoriasis sufferers except the most severely afflicted for a long time. For them, ingested or injected bio-pharmaceuticals are employed. Both UVA and UVB rays have been used with relative degrees of success in psoriasis treatment; as of 2010, UVA is presently less favored.

The Disease

Psoriasis is an accelerated regeneration of new skin cells by the body. The result of this heightened activity is the scaliness that causes the most prevalent form of psoriasis. Psoriasis can begin on any part of the body and may flare up and recede at times, but there is no known cure for any of the five types of psoriasis. Not much is known about its cause, although psoriasis is generally inherited. There are three stages of psoriasis: mild, moderate and severe. It is not contagious.

Treatment

For mild and moderate psoriasis, topical ointments combined with phototherapy is the main course of treatment. Mild psoriasis, covering five percent or less of the body, can often be treated with topical creams and ointments alone. Moderate psoriasis, where 5 to 30 percent of the body is affected, is more often treated with this UV light therapy, because the light has a direct effect on the aberrant T-cells that cause the physical symptoms of psoriasis. Severe psoriasis can require biologics, and in the most extreme cases, hospitalization.

Why UV Light Works

Psoriasis is one of the very few things for which a dermatologist will recommend exposure to sunlight. Regulated sunlight works to reduce the plaques of the most common psoriasis form. UV light, in either a clinical or home setting, subjects psoriasis lesions to the same UVA and UVB rays that are produced by the sun. More narrowband 311nm UVB is used, because it can be more controlled than regular UVB rays. Compared to topical medicinal treatments alone, UV phototherapy is an effective one-two punch for treating psoriasis.

UV Light at Home

The goals of UV light therapy are to lessen, if not eliminate, psoriatic plaques. It requires numerous treatments to realize significant reduction of plaques, but phototherapy can be effective 95 percent of the time. UV psoriasis light treatment works by causing the abnormally acting T-cells that cause accelerated skin cell production to die. Inflammation is therefore reduced, slowing down skin cell replication. This is the same benefit as can be derived from ingestible biologics, absent any of the side effects that biologics can cause.

Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is a complication of psoriasis; a type of arthritis that afflicts some people who have psoriasis. Psoriatic arthritis usually develops following the onset of psoriasis on the skin. It can, however, appear before any lesions are visible. Psoriatic arthritis symptoms mirror those of rheumatoid arthritis: joint pain, stiffness and swelling. Any part of the body can be affected, including fingertips and spine. Since there is no permanent cure for psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis can be disabling, so treatment and regular physical exercise are strongly recommended. Phototherapy with UV lamps is not an effective treatment for psoriatic arthritis.

References

• PsoriasisNet: Psoriasis Symptoms and Treatment
• National Biological: UV Light Information