Psoriasis UVB Treatment – UVB Phototherapy Psoriasis
Posted on February 6th, 2010
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UVB treatment is a phototherapy in which the skin is exposed repeatedly to ultraviolet light by a doctor or at home. UVB stands for ultraviolet light B. UVB is a short wavelength that is present in sunlight, along with UVA and UVC, and is being used as a valuable treatment for psoriasis. UVB phototherapy comes in two forms; broadband and narrowband. The UVB treatment is usually used for those with mild to moderate psoriasis.
Broadband UVB is less effective than narrowband UVB, but both are less effective than a PUVA treatment. However, PUVA is less convenient than UVB treatments and the UVB treatment is effective in many cases. Narrowband UVB is more effective than brodband UVB, but it tends to have more severe side effects such as longer-lasting burns.
With UVB phototherapy, skin is exposed to an artificial UVB light source for a preset amount of time regularly, and can be done either at a medical professional’s office or in your own home. The repeated exposure pierces the epidermis and retards the growth of the psoriasis-affected skin cells. It is important for light therapy to be consistent in order for it to be effective.
After the UVB treatment has improved the psoriasis skin, the maintenance treatments are generally about once a week. The first several treatments may inflame the psoriasis rather than improving the condition. UVB phototherapy may also cause a reddening and itching irritation to the skin and the amount of exposure may need adjustment depending upon the skin’s reaction.
When treating psoriasis with UVB treatment at home, the therapy generally begins at a clinic and then the light box may be used in the home. The light boxes need to be prescribed by a health care professional, and should be monitored by the health care professional even when being used at home. Check with your insurance company, as the equipment needed for UVP home phototherapy may be covered. Both broadband and narrow-band light boxes are available for home use, but because this is a medical treatment and has potential side effects, the boxes are not available without a doctor’s prescription.
Tags: Narrow Band UVB Psoriasis, Psoriasis UV Treatment, Psoriasis UVB Treatment, UV Light Treatment Psoriasis, UVB Phototherapy Psoriasis
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