Another type of light therapy some doctors may use to treat your psoriasis is called Excimer Laser therapy. What is unique about this type of laser treatment is that the laser is able to precisely target only those skin cells affected by the psoriasis. Healthy skin cells will not be exposed to the UV radiation. Possible side effects to this type of treatment may include some redness, burning, and darkening of the skin. The typical patient will see results in four to ten sessions depending upon the severity of their psoriasis and how well they respond to treatment. The National Psoriasis Foundation recommends that patients receive two treatments per week, with a minimum of 48 hours between treatments.
Are there people who are not good candidates for UV light therapy?
It is strongly suggested that the following types of patients would be at too much risk for receiving any type of UV light therapy:
- Patients with Lupus
- Patients with a genetic disease called xerodema pigmentosum, which predisposes the individual to extraordinary sensitivity to sunlight.
- Patients with multiple non-melanoma skin cancers or a history of melanoma.
- Patients who are taking medications which make them more sensitive to UV light.
- Patients who are immunosuppressed such as those who have had organ transplantation.
For more information on both Psoriasis and possible treatments please visit the following web sites.
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