Psoriasis Treatment (How Light Therapy Works)

Psoriasis affects 2-3% of the world’s population. Treatment of psoriasis has evolved over the years, but photo therapy has remained a cornerstone of treatment. As popular a treatment for psoriasis, light therapy is still somewhat of an enigma. Scientists have discovered many potential mechanisms for the healing effect of UV radiation in conditions such as psoriasis. Phototherapy (light therapy) has become more convenient for psoriasis patients, as portable home-based narrow-band UVB machines become available. Psoriasis patients now have the option of treating themselves in the comfort of their homes, and the safety of newer machines means that psoriasis can be treated with relatively low risk of cancer and other complications. Light therapy can be used as a single or combination treatment for moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Psoriasis patients can combine light therapy with the newer biologicals or with systemic medications, giving them an option for the more recalcitrant cases of psoriasis.

Langerhans Cells in Normal Epidermis, CD1a Immunostain
Pathological and histological images courtesy of Ed Uthman at flickr.
Micrograph of keratinocytes, basal cells and melanocytes in the epidermis.
Setijanti H.B., Rusmawati E., Fitria R., Erlina T., Adriany R., Murtiningsi