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Photodynamic therapy (PDT) Cost & Profile
- Avg. Cost: $3500
- Candidate: have sun damage, fine lines, and blotchy pigmentation on the face
- Length: 45 minutes - 1 1/2 hours
- Treatments: 1-6
- Results: long lasting
- Back to work: 2-5 days
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Phototherapy Treatments for Psoriasis
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Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that often requires treatment with topical treatments that help to reduce the itchiness, inflammation and discomfort associated with the condition.
However, some medical professionals and dermatologists also recommend phototherapy treatments, also known as light therapy, for the treatment of psoriasis. Phototherapy treatments involve the use of ultraviolet lamps and lasers to slow down the growth of problem skin cells and improve the overall health of the skin.
How Phototherapy Works for the Treatment of Psoriasis
Phototherapy consists of delivering UVB rays, the same rays present in natural sunlight, deep into the skin’s surface. These rays penetrate the dermal layer and effectively slow down the growth of the affected skin cells. The National Psoriasis Foundation reports that these treatments can be administered in either a medical setting, or at home, and during the treatment, the psoriasis may worsen temporarily before improving. (Source: Psoriasis.org)
Exposing the skin to natural sunlight – approximately 20 minutes per day – is another way to benefit from UV rays, but too much sun can trigger a sunburn and put the person at risk for skin cancer. This is why phototherapy treatments may be a more safe and effective way to achieve significant results.
Other phototherapy treatment options for people with psoriasis include:
- Psoralen plus Ultraviolet A (PUVA): involves the use of a different band of ultraviolet light to treat psoriasis, and is combined with an oral or topical medication that makes skin more sensitive to light. This type of treatment is also known as photochemotherapy.
- Laser phototherapy treatments: Lasers that emit highly focused and targeted beams of light help to improve the condition of the skin. The XTRAC excimer laser works by affecting only the psoriatic skin, reducing the risk of side effects to surrounding skin tissues.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Phototherapy for Psoriasis
There are several benefits to using phototherapy to treat psoriasis. Key benefits include:
- Treatment can take just 20 minutes per session
- Can be performed at a hospital, doctor’s office, in the home, or at a psoriasis day care center
- Can be administered alone, or in conjunction with medication
- Entire body can be treated in one session
- While phototherapy continues to be an attractive solution for many people suffering from psoriasis, there are some drawbacks to keep in mind. Some of the risks involved with UVB therapy and phototherapy treatments include:
- High risk of skin cancer
- Risk of damage to the eyes
- Risk of cataracts
- Male genitals may be susceptible to cancer from PUVA and UVB therapy
- Certain drugs may cause more sensitivity to light
If you are suffering from psoriasis, contact a dermatologist in your area to find out if you may be a good candidate for the phototherapy treatment. Phototherapy, or light therapy can be performed on a regular basis, but can only be administered under strict medical supervision. Over a period of weeks and months, the skin will begin to heal and healthier skin cells will emerge.
Published: 10/30/2009, Last Updated: 10/30/2009
By LocateADoc.com Medical Staff Writers
Our writers strive to present an objective, upfront and open view of the medical procedures you're interested in. We present you with both the good and bad, and work to represent both doctors' and patients' points of view. Our articles contain facts and statistics obtained from medical associations, medical and surgical journals, and through doctor and patient interviews.
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Related Subjects and Keywords: psoriasis phototherapy phototherapy benefits psoriasis benefits psoriasis treatment psoriasis treatments dermatology
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