Phototherapy|Light Therapy.
This psoriasis therapy uses light, natural and artificial, to get rid of psoriasis. Light treatment cures majority of the psoriasis symptoms and is mainly used to treat psoriasis that is widespread. Photo therapy or Light therapy is also used to treat acne vulgaris, eczema, sleeping disorders, some psychiatric disorders and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
However, the light therapy used for skin conditions is different from the one used for SAD, sleeping disorders and other conditions. Light therapy is also referred to as heliotherapy.
Sunlight is used as a natural phototherapy agent while artificial light sources which are used involve use of artificial ultraviolet phototherapy lamps and are administered in a hospital or specialized centers by a dermatologist.
However, light boxes and bulbs are available for prescribed home light therapy. It is important that you follow the advice of your treating doctor or dermatologist.
Natural Sunlight to Cure Psoriasis.
Sunlight is made up of visible light rays and the invisible ultraviolet and infrared rays. These rays are invisible because they have too short a wavelength for the eye to see. The particular wavelength of the ultraviolet rays makes it a good cure for psoriasis. Ultraviolet rays again have different wavelengths. UVA rays are of longer wavelength and can penetrate deeper into the skin. UVB rays are of shorter wavelength and affect the outer layers of the skin.
How it acts. When skin psoriasis is exposed to the ultraviolet rays of natural sunlight or artificial sources, these rays penetrate the skin. As a result, the active T cells which have migrated in large numbers to the skin, begin to die. This reduces the excessive growth of the skin cells which is seen in psoriasis. Sunlight exposure results in decreased scales and inflammation of the skin, thus showing improvements in symptoms.
Mode of exposure. The psoriatic skin is exposed to sunlight daily and for brief periods at a time because excessive skin exposure to sunlight can worsen the psoriasis and can also cause skin damage. You could start with a five to ten minute exposure and this could be gradually increased by about 30 seconds at each time.
All the affected areas should receive equal exposure for maximum benefits. Sensitive and normal areas of the skin, such as the face and hands, are to be protected by covering them with a sunscreen.
It could take several weeks to see improvement. If you are using any topical application, consult your doctor before exposing yourself to sun, because they can increase the risk of sunburn.
Light Therapy| Phototherapy.
There are three types of artificial means to give light treatment or phototherapy treatment for psoriasis.
1) Broadband UVB phototherapy
2) Narrowband UVB phototherapy.
3) PUVA.
Artificial ultraviolet rays or UVB rays have been used for treating psoriasis since 1920. Ultraviolet rays can be broadband or narrow band depending on the wavelength. The UVA is the weaker form than the broadband UVB and both are used in different modes of light therapy for psoriasis.
These light rays are invisible to the eyes due to their wavelengths. It was in 1981 that the exact wavelength was discovered which benefits psoriasis and it lies between 300-313nm.
As is known, ultraviolet rays are known to cause skin cancer. To minimize these risks, measured doses and modified treatment methods have been developed. Light therapy should always be taken under the guidance of a skilled practioner.
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