Ultra Violet Light to Treat Psorisis

Psorisis sufferers may benefit from UVB light, one of the forms of Ultra Violet light that comes from the sun. There are three forms: UVA, UVB and UVC. The UV light which does reach us is mainly long wave UVA, with some intermediate wavelength UVB, and it is the UVB rays which may help psoriasis. In psorisis, this means that the cells do not multiply so rapidly and behave more like normal skin. Too much UVB however is not a good thing either because it burns. You do need to take care even if you do find that sunshine helps your skin. Because ultra violet light is so effective for so many people with psorisis doctors use it in various artificial forms.

UVB contains a wide range of wavelengths and is used to treat guttate psorisis or plaque psorisis, which is resistant to topical treatments. In the past few years a more defined form of UVB has been developed, known as 'narrow band', and this is proving effective. The aim is to clear the skin and this can take up to 30 treatments over a period of weeks. This treatment is administered in hospital under controlled conditions using trained staff.

There are risks associated with UV radiation. It can cause skin damage and eventually skin cancer, and treatments therefore have to be rationed. Doctors will not put patients at unnecessary risk. Care should be taken with the number of treatments over one year and indeed over a lifetime. This will vary from person to person depending on skin type and total dose administered. It is most important to be guided by your doctor.

What is Psorisis All About?

Psorisis is when you have an inflammatory skin condition. There are five types of psorisis, each with unique signs and symptoms. Between 10-30% of people who develop psorisis get a related form of arthritis called “psoriatic arthritis,” which causes inflammation of the joints as well.

The most common type ofpsorisis is called the plaque psorisis psoriasis. About 80% of people who develop psoriasis have plaque psorasis, which appears as patches of raised, reddish skin covered by silvery-white scale. These patches or plaques frequently form on the elbows, knees, lower back, and even scalp but not proned to just these parts.

The other types of psorisis are guttate psorisis (small, red spots on the skin),
pustular psorasis (white pustules surrounded by red skin), inverse psorisis (smooth, red lesions form in skin folds), and erythrodermic psorisis (widespread redness, severe itching, and pain).

Psorisis is a chronic condition because there is currently no cure. People often experience flares and remissions throughout their life. Controlling the signs and symptoms typically requires lifelong therapy. Treatment of psorisis depends on the severity and type. Some psorisis is so mild that the person is unaware of the condition. Then there are those who develop such severe psorisis that lesions cover most of the body and hospitalization is required. These represent the extremes. Most cases of psorisis fall somewhere in between.