Arificial Light That Is Helpful for the Treatment of Psoriasis

Ultraviolet rays in sunlight benefit psoriasis patients. Physicians use two types of artificial ultraviolet light, UVA and UVB, to treat moderate to severe outbreaks of the chronic, inflammatory and non-contagious skin disorder, says the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF).

UVB

Ultraviolet B rays, responsible for sunburn, give an effective treatment for psoriasis, says the NPF. The treatment is known as phototherapy, or light treatment.

Combination

UVB in combination with coal tar or anthralin can also improve psoriasis, says Canadian dermatologist Dr. Richard Langley, author of "Psoriasis: Everything You Need to Know." Starting doses depend on skin type, he says.

PUVA

Ultraviolet A light penetrates more deeply but is less effective than UVB. Dermatologists will combine UVA exposure with the light-sensitizing drug psoralen, for a treatment known as PUVA (P+UVA), says the NPF.

Multiples

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases says patients who do not respond to UVB or PUVA treatment could benefit from a multiple treatments of, for example, UVB with a coal tar bath and an anthralin-salicylic acid paste left on the skin for 6 to 24 hours.

Home Therapy

The NPF says home therapy is a viable choice for many patients. It requires the same consistency as regular visits to a medical facility. Keep the doctors' checks regular too, warns the NPF.

Warnings

Physicians warn against the use of tanning beds and clinics as the doses of artificial light cannot be regulated. Dr. Langley says phototherapy over long periods can increase the risk of skin cancer.

References

• National Psoriasis Foundation, Phototherapy
• The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, Psoriasis Q&A
• Psoriasis: Everything You Need to Know, Dr, Richard Langley, Firefly Books, 2005