Ultraviolet B (UVB) Light

Ultraviolet B light is usually our first line of light treatment. We administer two types of ultraviolet B light - Broad Band (BB) and Narrow Band (NB).

Broad Band - This is the time tested older type of treatment. It consists of the controlled administration of a variety of ultraviolet B (sunburning) light rays emitted by high energy light bulbs. Treatments are initially administered three or more times per week and are progressively decreased in frequency once remission is achieved, usually after 20-30 treatments, in about 70% of patients.

Narrow Band - This is a relatively new type of treatment. It consists of the administration, by specialized bulbs, of a high concentration of the specific type of ultraviolet B rays that are most effective in reversing the changes of psoriasis. Treatments are initially administered three times per week and are likewise progressively tapered once remission is achieved, usually after 15-25 treatments.
 
PUVA - Psoralen plus Ultraviolet A (UVA) Light

PUVA is our third available treatment choice. It consists of the ingestion of an oral medication (Psoralen) followed by the administration of UVA (sun tanning) light rays, hence the name PUVA. The psoralen becomes deposited in the skin and is activated by the UVA light that is administered 1 - 2 hours later. Treatments are initially given 2-3 times per week and are tapered upon remission, usually after 20-25 treatments.
 
Topical PUVA for the Palms and Soles

Localized psoriasis of the palms and soles is a difficult therapeutic problem as it often does not respond well to topical medications. The administration of psoralen, usually by ingestion but occasionally by topical absorption through the application of an ointment or a 15 minute soak, followed by UVA light exposure, can prove to be helpful in many instances.
 

*Any of these treatments can be, and often are administered in combination with topical medications, such as corticosteroid vitamin D (Dovonex) or retinoid (Tazorac) preparations and/or oral medications, such as retinoids (Soriatane), methotrexate, "biologic" drugs (Enbrel, Amevive, and others) and cyclosporine.
 

Return To Home Page