Uvb Lamps for Psoriasis Treatment
For people with moderate to severe psoriasis, regular and controlled exposure to ultraviolent light---such as naturally found in sunlight---provides relief from symptoms. Light therapy, as directed by a physician, provides concentrated therapeutic light. UVB lamps are one form of psoriasis treatment.
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Types
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Exposure to ultraviolent light stops the rapid skin growth associated with psoriasis. Doctors may use different types of ultraviolet light for this effect, but ultraviolet B light (UVB) is most commonly used.
Treatment
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A course of treatment may take several weeks or months of regularly scheduled appointments. These treatments may be done in a doctor's office, in a special day clinic for psoriasis, or using portable lamps at home.
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Exposure
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The length of exposure depends on the person---her skin type and pigmentation, as well as the severity of the disease, will determine the length and frequency of light treatment.
Maintenance
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Most people stop using UVB lamps once they've cleared their symptoms. However, maintenance therapy, done on an average of eight treatments per month, may be scheduled for people who have frequent, severe flare-ups of symptoms.
Warning
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Psoriasis treatment with UVB lamps should be administered or done under the care of a professional. Side effects can include skin irritation, sunburn, freckling or premature aging.
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References
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Chris Wright
