What is Light Therapy for Psoriasis and How Does It Work?

Light therapy is a noninvasive treatment that has been shown to be effective at treating a number of chronic skin conditions, including psoriasis. If topical medications are no longer effective at relieving the itching and inflammation of psoriasis, it may be time to consider the benefits of light therapy.

At Balcones Dermatology & Aesthetics, we offer light therapy for adults and adolescents who need help managing persistent psoriasis flare-ups.

Board-certified dermatologist David A. Bushore, MD, and our dermatology team use advanced in-office UVB light technologies to treat existing psoriasis symptoms and prevent new outbreaks.

We can also provide ongoing medical guidance you can use to keep your skin healthy and well-protected from sunlight, harsh chemicals, and other elements.

Understanding psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes skin cells to multiply rapidly. This results in a build-up of cells on the surface of the skin that form itchy, inflamed, dry patches known as plaques. The condition can also affect the scalp and nails.

The root cause of psoriasis relates to an immune system overreaction that causes persistent inflammation in the skin. The immune response can produce skin plaques that range in severity from mild patches to body-wide inflammation. Flare-ups can last for a few weeks or months before going into remission.

While there’s currently no cure for psoriasis, we offer ongoing dermatologic care to prevent frequent flare-ups and severe skin inflammation. Board-certified dermatologist David A. Bushore customizes a treatment plan using the latest advancements in psoriasis treatment, including topical creams, corticosteroids, retinoids, and systemic anti-inflammatory treatments.

Narrowband UVB light therapy is also a noninvasive way to minimize the growth of skin plaques during a psoriasis flare-up.

How light therapy can make a difference in your skin

Light therapy, or phototherapy, is a safe, effective treatment for psoriasis. We use a narrowband UVB light on nearly any area of the body to slow the growth of skin cells and calm the inflammation present in the skin.

Treatment with narrowband UVB light technologies reduces itching and inflammation, so your skin has a chance to heal.

While the light is powerful enough to stop abnormal skin cell growth, its narrow wavelength ensures only superficial exposure that's gentle enough to be used on delicate areas like the scalp, buttocks, elbows, and knees without damaging the skin.

Board-certified dermatologist David A. Bushore, MD, can also use light therapy to address psoriasis symptoms like discoloration and pitting in your nails.

Custom treatment plans for light therapy

Typically, a series of light therapy sessions is needed before symptoms improve. Dr. Bushore discusses how many sessions you need and when to schedule them based on the severity of plaques and inflammation.

He can also recommend skin care products, including cleansers and lotions that you can use in between sessions to minimize itching, redness, and other symptoms.

It’s important that you use gentle soaps and laundry detergents to prevent additional skin irritation. Regularly moisturize your skin and wear high-quality sunscreen whenever you spend time outdoors.

Call Balcones Dermatology & Aesthetics in Austin, Texas, today to schedule a psoriasis consultation or book an appointment online.