Unltraviolet Treatment for Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a fairly pervasive autoimmune disorder. No cure for psoriasis is available, but doctors and researchers continue to discover treatments that lessen symptoms. One of these treatments is light therapy.
-
What Is Light Therapy?
-
According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, light therapy, or phototherapy, "involves exposing the skin to wavelengths of ultraviolet light."
Types of Light Therapy
-
Three types of light therapy are used on psoriasis patients: UVB phototherapy, PUVA, and lasers. Each kind differs in application method and light source.
-
UVB Phototherapy
-
UVB stands for ultraviolet light B. This type of light is found naturally in sunlight. When receiving UVB treatment, you stand unclothed in an enclosed box lined with UVB lights. For more specific areas, such as arms or ankles, smaller boxes are available. The length of UVB treatments depends on skin type, skin tone and your reaction to the first treatment.
Types of UVB Phototherapy
-
There are two different kinds of UVB treatment. The first, called "broad-band UVB," exposes skin to broad wavelengths of the ultraviolet light for a set amount of time. The second type is called "narrow-band UVB." With this type, the wavelength of light is more precise.
PUVA
-
Psoralen Ultraviolet Light A, or PUVA, combines UVB therapy with a light-sensitizing medication. When receiving treatment, a doctor will give you either an oral or a topical form of psoralen. After psoralen is applied, treatment is similar to UVB therapy, where you stand in a light box and are exposed to UVA light for a set amount of time.
Laser Treatments
-
Laser treatments, also known as "targeted UVB therapy," use Excimer lasers to treat affected areas of your skin. Unlike UVB and PUVA treatments, laser therapy is very specific. The laser emits a small beam of light around one inch in diameter.
-
