Psoriasis is a common skin condition that is often misunderstood. Experts believe it happens because of cell build-up on the surface of your skin. This results in red patches that are itchy and sometimes painful.
Although you can’t prevent psoriasis, you can make it better. David Rodriguez, MD and his expert staff have been helping patients in Kendall, Florida get rid of psoriasis with light therapy. Here’s everything you need to know about the procedure.
Psoriasis is a chronic disease that often flares up because of a trigger. This means that it can get better and worse at different times. Smoking, consuming alcohol, and a lack of Vitamin D are some of the most common triggers of psoriasis.
Experts believe that psoriasis is a white cell dysfunction within your body. Normally, your white blood cells take action to fight an infection or wound. However, with psoriasis, your body attacks healthy cells. As a result, your skin cells move outwards and the overabundance of cells creates red, scaly skin and sometimes even lesions.
Seventy-five percent of those who choose to undergo UVB light therapy experience clear skin. Light therapy is a great option for people who are looking to greatly improve their psoriasis symptoms. The treatment uses an ultraviolet (UV) light on your skin to reduce skin inflammation and improve redness. The process also slows down the production of excess skin cells. This type of therapy is beneficial in treating one or multiple affected areas.
Most people who are interested in light therapy are most concerned with when they’ll see results. However, light therapy has different results with every person. Depending on your skin type and severity of psoriasis, the amount of time needed for a treatment session will vary. Most people who undergo light therapy have had little improvement from other psoriasis treatment options.
Because of this, many people need repeated light therapy for several weeks to see improvement. Most people experience relief in 3-12 months and have results that last for over six months.
After hearing about light therapy, it’s easy to think that a tanning bed may help improve psoriasis. However, this is not the case. Effective light therapy usually involves UVB rays while tanning beds contain higher levels of UVA. Plus, tanning beds have a greater risk of leading to skin damage and skin cancers.
The National Psoriasis Foundation doesn’t advise using tanning beds in place of light therapy. Do your skin and self a favor and seek light therapy only from an experienced dermatologist.
No one wants to be embarrassed about the look and feel of their skin. Many people have used light therapy to help them gain more confidence and feel comfortable again.
However, before undergoing any form of treatment, you should fully understand the process. We’d love to answer any questions and concerns you may have regarding light therapy. Learn more by calling us at 305-250-2056 or requesting an appointment online.
