Contents:
- Medical Video: Vitiligo NYC - NYC Vitiligo - (212)-644-6454
- Phototherapy
- Sunlight
- UVB phototherapy
- Goeckerman Therapy
- Excimer Laser
- Photochemotherapy, Psoralen Plus Ultraviolet A (PUVA)
- Pulsed Dye Laser
Medical Video: Vitiligo NYC - NYC Vitiligo - (212)-644-6454
Treating psoriasis usually requires different methods, such as lifestyle changes, nutrition, and medication. Treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms, age, health conditions, and other factors. Doctors will try several methods before finding the right treatment for patients, because psoriasis cannot be cured, only recurrence can be prevented and symptoms reduced.
Treatment options for psoriasis depend on the following factors:
- The severity of psoriasis
- As much as what parts of the body are affected
- Type of psoriasis
- How well the skin responds to initial treatment
Many drugs are intended to treat symptoms of the disease. These drugs relieve itching and flaking, and reduce recurrence. Regular use of moisturizer after bathing can keep skin moist, but does not eliminate the cause of inflammation.
The dermatologist also recommends that psoriasis sufferers use unscented soap, detergent and moisturizer and coloring to avoid skin irritation.
Phototherapy
Phototherapy is a procedure in which the skin is exposed to natural or artificial ultraviolet (UV) rays. However, long-term phototherapy can increase the risk of skin cancer. It is important to discuss with your dermatologist before you do phototherapy. Don't try to handle it yourself with tanning bed or sunbathing.
Sunlight
The natural source of UV light is the sun. The sun produces UVA light. UV light reduces T cell production and kills active T cells, which slow down the swelling response and skin cell turnover. Short exposure to sunlight can improve psoriasis. However, intense or long-term sun exposure can worsen symptoms and damage the skin, and increase the risk of skin cancer.
UVB phototherapy
Artificial therapy with UVB can be done in cases of mild psoriasis. The UVB beam transmitter box is used in this type of treatment, smaller areas of the body can be exposed without the need to expose the entire body. Side effects include itchy and dry skin, and redness in the area treated.
Goeckerman Therapy
Combining UVB treatment with coal tar can make both therapies more effective than just one type of therapy. Coal tar makes the skin more receptive to UVB rays. This therapy is used in cases of mild to moderate stages.
Excimer Laser
Exciting progress in mild and moderate psoriasis treatments is laser therapy. Lasers can target UVB light concentrations in the psoriasis section without affecting the surrounding area. This laser is useful for treating small parts because the laser cannot cover a large area.
Photochemotherapy, Psoralen Plus Ultraviolet A (PUVA)
Psoralen is a treatment light-sensitizing which can be combined with UVA therapy as a treatment for psoriasis. Patients use drugs or apply cream to the skin and then enter the UVA light box. This treatment is more aggressive and is only used in patients with moderate to advanced stages of psoriasis.
Pulsed Dye Laser
Doctors can recommend pulsed dye laser if other treatments don't work. Dye laser is a laser that uses organic dyes mixed with solvents. This process destroys small blood vessels in the area around psoriasis, stops blood flow, and reduces cell growth in the area.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
