Psoriasis is a skin disease marked by itchy, red patches or silvery scales commonly found on the arms, legs, and scalp. If you see a dermatologist for your psoriasis but are not satisfied with your treatment results, light therapy — or phototherapy — may be your most effective option. Heibel Dermatology is committed to clearing skin in patients with psoriasis.

Below, you can learn more about the dermatologist’s most recommended treatment options using regular light therapy:

Sunlight 

The Ultraviolet light B — UVB — rays found in sunlight can help relieve psoriasis naturally. Begin by spending five minutes in the sun at lunchtime and increase exposure gradually. If your skin tolerates it, you can increase 30 seconds each day, up to 10 minutes at a time. Remember to apply sunscreen to the areas of your skin not affected by psoriasis and avoid overexposure. 

Laser Therapy 

Laser therapy can effectively treat heavy, localized plaques with a high-intensity dose of UVB. Many types of laser therapy are approved by the Food and Drug Administration — FDA — and have been found to be beneficial, particularly for stubborn scalp psoriasis. To see what types of laser therapy are available to you and how long it will take to see results, talk to your dermatologist.

UVB Phototherapy 

UVB phototherapy is one of the most common light therapy treatment options for psoriasis. It quickly penetrates plaques, slowing cell growth, and can be administered in the dermatologist’s office or with an at-home device. While your plaques may worsen before improving, they are known to resolve with adjusted and continued treatment. To learn more about UVB phototherapy at home or in the office, talk to your doctor. 

PUVA 

Like UVB, Ultraviolet light A — UVA — is also naturally occurring in sunlight but is not effective on its own for treating psoriasis. This is why the light sensitizing medication Psoralen is used in conjunction with UVA light therapy treatment. PUVA treatment is particularly effective for patients with hand and foot psoriasis. Since some side effects come with PUVA treatment, it is important to discuss it in detail with your dermatologist. 

While each one of these light therapy options is known to treat psoriasis, you can discuss your options with your skin care team to find the right choice for your needs. To receive a dermatologist’s treatment for psoriasis, call Heibel Dermatology in Lincoln, NE, at (402) 488-6969. For information about their eczema relief, acne treatment, and skin cancer treatment services, visit their website. You can also follow them for skin care advice on Facebook.