Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system that normally protects the body turns around and attacks cells in the skin. This triggers a series of events that lead to rapid production of skin cells that do not shed as quickly. Due to this, the new cells build up on top of each other and become evident as itchy, red, raised patches of skin with silver colored scales--also called plaque. This condition has no cure, but it can be managed with treatments such as light therapy.
Types
Light treatment for psoriasis involves the use of ultraviolet B, or UVB, phototherapy, home UVB phototherapy, sunlight and lasers. In some cases, such as PUVA treatment, other treatments are used in conjunction with light therapy. UVB treatments are done either at a doctor's office by a physician or in the home with a UVB light unit.
In sunlight treatment, skin affected with psoriasis is simply exposed to sunlight. Laser light therapies for psoriasis are available as pulsed dye laser and excimer laser therapy. In PUVA therapy, ultraviolet light A, or UVA, is used to treat psoriasis along with a drug called psoralen.
How It Works
During light therapy for psoriasis, light is directed at the areas of skin affected by this condition. This is done on a schedule and for a predetermined amount of time. UVB and sunlight treatment slow down cell growth in skin affected by psoriasis. In UVA treatment, the skin is pretreated with oral or topical psoralen. This makes the skin temporarily sensitive to UVA light. Additionally, this treatment slows down excessive production of skin cells. Pulsed dye laser therapy destroys the blood supply to patches of skin with psoriatic plaque while excimer laser therapy reduces production of new skin cells.
Effects
Skin Care Physicians by the American Academy of Dermatology explains that light treatment can clear up psoriasis in various parts of the body such as the hands, feet or scalp. It can also improve symptoms of psoriasis in people who have whole body or generalized psoriasis. These effects are temporary as symptoms of psoriasis may return at a later date.
Side Effects
Blistering is a common side effect of excimer laser therapy when used in psoriasis treatment, while bruising is expected in pulsed dye laser therapy. Sunburn may occur in sunlight therapy and UVB light treatment, and PUVA therapy can make the skin red and itchy.
Considerations
A physician's prescription is needed to purchase a home UVB light treatment device. Also, light therapies for psoriasis should be done under the supervision of a doctor. The National Psoriasis Foundation explains that certain topical medications make the skin burn easily when it is exposed to sunlight. Because of this, it is important for patients to make physicians aware of whatever medication they are on before undergoing sunlight therapy for psoriasis.
