Psoriaguy here! If you have psoriasis, you may have heard of phototherapy as a treatment option (nope, not talking about selfie-therapy). If you're thinking about trying phototherapy (AKA light therapy) for your psoriasis, here's what you need to know:
According to a 2018 study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, phototherapy can be an effective treatment option for people with moderate to severe psoriasis. Researchers found that phototherapy was able to clear up psoriasis in over 75% of the participants.
There are a few different types of phototherapy available, like narrowband ultraviolet B (UVB) light therapy, broadband UVB therapy, and psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy. Your dermatologist will help you figure out the best type of phototherapy to use (remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach).
One of the great things about phototherapy is that it's pretty low-risk and has few side effects. Some people may experience mild sunburn-like symptoms after treatment, but these usually go away within a few days.
It's important to note that phototherapy should be used in conjunction with other treatment options, like topical, biologics, or oral medications. This will help ensure the best possible outcome for your psoriasis.
If you're thinking about phototherapy for your condition, make sure to talk to your dermatologist to determine the best course of action for you.