Natural and Artificial Sunlight and Lasers for Psoriasis

Phototherapy for Psoriasis
Phototherapy isn't usually the first treatment choice for people with psoriasis, which make up about 2% of the American population. Prescription topical creams and ointments are more convenient -- and less expensive. But they may become less effective as plaques grow resistant. Phototherapy can be a suitable next step in many cases.

UVB and PUVA for Psoriasis
Artificial ultraviolet light with and without concurrent light-sensitizing drugs can be effective in treating psoriasis. For the most part, side effects are limited to the skin, reducing worries regarding long-term internal complications which are sometimes seen with other systemic treatments.

Excimer Laser Treatment of Psoriasis
While ultraviolet B therapy (UVB) has been used for some time to treat psoriasis, newer therapies harness the power of ultraviolet light in the form of the excimer (also known as exciplex) laser, a type of light that can be used to treat a variety of medical conditions. The excimer laser was approved by the FDA in 2000 for the treatment of mild to moderate cases of plaque psoriasis.

Excimer Laser for Psoriasis
A new laser called the 308nm excimer laser offers effective treatment for smaller but stubborn areas of psoriasis