Psoriasis is a lifelong, genetic condition that involves the skin and joints. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, approximately 7.5 million Americans suffer from psoriasis. Over the years, ultraviolet light B, or UVB, therapy has been an effective treatment for psoriasis.
Function
Approximately 80 percent of psoriasis patients show improvement when exposed to sunlight, states The Psoriasis Association. UVB light, also found in natural sunlight, penetrates the skin and slows the rapid skin cell growth, thereby making the skin function in a more normal fashion.
Types
According to the NPF, there are two types of UVB treatments; broad band and narrow band. Narrow band light delivers a smaller range of ultraviolet light in comparison to broad band. Both are similar, however. Narrow band is gaining popularity because of its ability to clear psoriasis faster and demonstrate longer remissions, according to the NPF.
Procedure
UVB therapy is usually administered three to five times a week, with increasing doses over time, notes the DermNet NZ website. The patient undresses, exposing all areas requiring treatment, and stands inside a treatment box lined with UVB lights. The NPF notes that it takes about 30 treatments for the psoriasis lesions to improve.
