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photopherapy/ultraviolet light therapy

Under the supervision of a GP or dermatologist phototherapy/ultraviolet therapy can be used to keep under control certain types of psoriasis:  it is not a cure but an alternative way of managing the condition.

Phototherapy works by exposing skin cells to ultraviolet light.  Some of the exposed skin cells are killed enabling them to be sloughed off making room for the newly generated cells.  Phototherapy/ultraviolet light therapy can also help clear psoriatic lesions by destroying the blood vessels which cause skin inflammation, without damaging the surrounding skin.

Sufferers of mild psoriasis often find that small amounts of regular phototherapy/ultraviolet light therapy can provide relief.

Types of phototherapy include:

UVB – this involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet B light waves which is an artificial light source.  UVB rays which are present in sunlight penetrate the skin and slow down the growth of diseased cells.

Treatments using UVB light can be given daily or several times in a week.

UVA – penetrates deeper into the skin and involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet A light. 

UVB and UVA treatment for psoriasis offers the ability to treat small areas specifically.

Some psoriasis sufferers experience periods of remission for several months. 

A sun block should be used on areas not being treated by the treatment to prevent the skin from becoming burnt:  this is especially essential for those patients with sensitive skin.  Psoriasis sufferers are encouraged to refrain from trying to accomplish the same phototherapy effect through over exposure to natural sunlight, because unlike natural sunlight, the rays emitted through Phototherapy/ultraviolet light are very specific. 

Phototherapy can be used alone or with medicines:  namely combination therapies:

UVA can be used in conjunction with psoralen (PUVA) which increases the skin’s sensitivity to light.  Psoralen (a photosensitizing agent found in plants) is applied or taken orally to sensitise the skin before the skin is exposed to ultraviolet A light. The Ingram regimen, which combines anthralin, coal tar products, and ultraviolet B light waves. The Goeckerman treatment, a combination of tar products and ultraviolet B light waves. Before using UVB or UVA phototherapy for psoriasis you should take medical advice from a dermatologist or your GP as not all types of psoriasis conditions respond well to phototherapy/ultraviolet light therapy.

Information written by the talkhealth medical panel

Last Reviewed: 17 January 2011
Next Review Date: 17 January 2013