Psoriasis is a complicated disease to treat, and though there is no specific cure, the disease can be controlled.
Phototherapy for psoriasis is one of the available forms of treatment to help improve the condition of the skin.
In phototherapy, the patient is exposed to controlled amounts of UV light under the supervision of a doctor.
It has long been known that brief, regular exposure to sunlight can clear up patches of skin with psoriasis.
The medical industry has developed devices that replicate specific parts of the UV spectrum of the sun that has the most therapeutic effect.
When phototherapy is being considered, the patient consults with a medical professional to learn the options that are available, as psoriasis has differing types, levels of severity and areas of effect.
Those suffering severe symptoms of psoriasis or those with large affected areas have different options from those suffering from milder symptoms.
One form of treatment is UVB light therapy, which is usually given two to three times a week.
During therapy, exposure to UVB must be diligently monitored to prevent sunburn and damage to the skin.
Depending on how responsive the skin is to light therapy, results may show in a few weeks with significant clearing taking place in six to eight weeks.
The effects of UV light treatment vary from patient to patient.
Once the patient has been cleared, the duration of clearance may be three or four months or sometimes significantly longer.
Should other forms of treatment fail, PUVA therapy, a more intense type of phototherapy, can be used.
Usually prescribed to people with widespread psoriasis, PUVA combines exposure to UVA light with a photosensitizing medication called psoralen, which is usually taken orally.
Psoralen increases the skin's sensitivity to make it more responsive to light.
As a relatively more intense type of treatment, PUVA provides more consistency in clearing the skin, sometimes even requiring fewer sessions than UVB light therapy.
Generally speaking, PUVA therapy is more effective than UVB therapy and the remission periods are longer, often lasting up to one year.
Controlled and monitored exposure to UV light is crucial in safeguarding the skin's health, which is why phototherapy sessions are often performed at doctor's offices.
Using phototherapy for psoriasis requires a specific wavelength and intensity tailored for the needs and skin of the patient.
However, with a doctor's prescription, some patients are allowed to purchase home phototherapy units to receive treatment in the privacy of their home.
These machines can take on many sizes and forms, so patients can have various options.
A doctor's supervision is essential to recovery.