All light treatment work by slowing skin cell growth for a time. Skin cells then shed at a slower rate and cannot build up.
UVB phototherapy involves shining a light on the skin repeatedly over a period of time. This is done in a clinic or at home with personal light kits. It is important to use consistently.
Narrowband UVB is similar to broadband UVB, but uses a smaller range of light.
PUVA involves taking a psoralen before shining ultraviolet light on the skin. Psoralen can be taken as a pill, or is applied to the skin as a cream/lotion or by soaking in a bath.
Targeted phototherapy works the same as UVB phototherapy. It is used to target only the skin with psoriasis.
Anyone with psoriasis, if topical treatments have not worked.
Anyone with psoriasis, if topical treatments have not worked.
Anyone with psoriasis. Psoralen taken as a topical cream is usually for people with psoriasis on their palms and the soles of their feet.
Anyone with psoriasis.
You may not be able to take this treatment if you have lupus erythematosus, history of skin cancer, or xeroderma pigmentosum. Talk to your doctor to find out if this treatment is right for you.
You may not be able to take this treatment if you have lupus erythematosus, history of skin cancer, or xeroderma pigmentosum. Talk to your doctor to find out if this treatment is right for you.
You may not be able to take this treatment if you have very sensitive skin. You may not be able to use this treatment if you:
Talk to your doctor to find out if this treatment is right for you.
This may not be for people with very sensitive skin. This treatment is not for people whose psoriasis covers a lot of skin.
75 out of 100 people experienced very mild psoriasis by 12 weeks, because of the treatment. People often begin to see improvement after 4 weeks. It can take 20-25 treatments for results. Results often last less than one year.
*For this treatment, we say “very mild psoriasis” instead of “excellent improvement”. This is because this study used a slightly different score to measure psoriasis severity.
(2/3 stars evidence)
41 out of 100 people saw excellent improvement by 46 sessions, because of the treatment. People often begin to see improvement after 2 weeks. Results often last less than one year.
(2/3 stars evidence)
73 out of 100 people saw excellent improvement because of the treatment.
(1/3 stars evidence)
47 out of 100 people saw excellent improvement because of the treatment.
(1/3 stars evidence)
There is not enough evidence to show how well this treatment improves psoriasis. People often begin to see some improvement after 8-10 treatments. Results often last for 3.5 to 6 months.
Serious: None.
Other: Mild skin irritation and risk of sunburn.
Pregnancy: Considered safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Serious: None.
Other: Mild skin irritation and risk of sunburn.
Pregnancy: Considered safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Serious: PUVA has been linked to skin cancers. There is not enough evidence yet to show the chances of getting skin cancer from using PUVA. We do know that after 200 PUVA treatments, the risk of skin cancer gets higher with each treatment.
Other: Nausea, vomiting, and sunburn.
Pregnancy: (Psoralen) Category C. We do not yet know if there is a risk of taking this drug while pregnant or breastfeeding. If you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breastfeeding be sure to tell your doctor.
Serious: None.
Other: Skin irritation or blisters.
Pregnancy: Considered safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
A doctor might recommend 2 or 4 treatments per week. It might be hard for people to visit the clinic often. For home treatments, it might be hard to use consistently.
A doctor might recommend 3-5 treatments per week. It might be hard for some people to visit the clinic often. For home treatments, it might be hard to use consistently.
Treatment is often given 2-3 times a week. It might be hard for people to visit the clinic often. Oral treatment can take 20-25 treatments for results. Topical treatment can take 30-40 treatments for results. Topical psolaren needs to be used 30 minutes before UVA light exposure. This might take too long for some people.
A doctor might recommend 2-3 treatments per week for as long as needed. Often people need around 10-12 treatments. It might be hard for people to visit the clinic often. For home treatments, it might be hard to use consistently.
Prices vary, but may start around $300 USD/year.
Prices vary but may start around $300 USD/year.
Home kit cost: Prices vary but may start around $2300 USD plus the cost of regular doctor's appointments.
Oral: Prices vary but may start around $300 USD/year
Topical: Prices vary but may start around $600 USD/year.
Prices vary.
Home kit cost: Prices vary but may start around $600 USD for small hand held devices, plus the cost of regular doctor's appointments.
Prices as of 2016 and may vary by region.
Click here for information about accessing and paying for treatment in Canada