Phototherapy11
Phototherapy or "light therapy" is sometimes used to treat moderate-to-severe psoriasis that is not responsive to topical treatments. Exposing the skin to ultraviolet (UV) light — either from the sun or an artificial source — slows the abnormally rapid growth of skin cells associated with psoriasis.
- Ultraviolet B (UVB) Phototherapy: patients' skin is exposed to an artificial light of a certain wavelength for a set length of time on a regular schedule, either under a doctor's direction in a medical setting or with a home unit purchased with a doctor's prescription.
- Psoralen & Ultraviolet A Phototherapy (PUVA): patients take psoralen, a light-sensitizing agent, (administered orally or applied topically) prior to UVA exposure
- Lasers: used to treat people with mild to moderate plaque psoriasis; used to treat chronic, localised plaque lesions; how well an individual will respond to the treatment varies