Phototherapy

Definition

Phototherapy is a medical treatment that uses controlled exposure to specific wavelengths of light, typically ultraviolet (UV) light, to treat various skin conditions, including psoriasis. It is a commonly used approach in the management of psoriatic disorders.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Phototherapy is an effective treatment option for moderate to severe psoriasis, helping to reduce inflammation, slow skin cell growth, and improve the appearance of lesions.
2. Narrowband UVB phototherapy is considered the first-line phototherapy treatment for psoriasis, as it is more targeted and less damaging to the skin compared to broadband UVB.
3. PUVA therapy, which combines the use of psoralen compounds with UVA light, can be more effective than narrowband UVB for certain types of psoriasis, but has a higher risk of side effects.
4. Phototherapy can be administered in a clinical setting using specialized equipment, or in some cases, with home-based phototherapy units.
5. Regular monitoring and follow-up are essential during phototherapy to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and manage any potential side effects, such as skin irritation or increased risk of skin cancer.

Review Questions

• Explain how phototherapy works to treat psoriasis.
  • Phototherapy for psoriasis works by exposing the affected skin to specific wavelengths of ultraviolet light, typically UVB or PUVA (psoralen plus UVA). This controlled light exposure helps to reduce inflammation, slow the rapid growth of skin cells, and improve the appearance of psoriatic lesions. The light therapy triggers various cellular and molecular processes that modulate the immune response and normalize skin cell turnover, leading to the clearing or improvement of psoriatic symptoms.
• Compare the use of narrowband UVB and PUVA therapy in the treatment of psoriasis.
  • Narrowband UVB phototherapy and PUVA therapy are two common phototherapy approaches used to manage psoriasis. Narrowband UVB is considered the first-line phototherapy option, as it is more targeted and less damaging to the skin compared to broadband UVB. Narrowband UVB uses a specific range of UVB wavelengths (311-312 nm) that are particularly effective in treating psoriasis. In contrast, PUVA therapy combines the use of psoralen compounds, which make the skin more sensitive to light, with UVA light exposure. PUVA can be more effective than narrowband UVB for certain types of psoriasis, but it carries a higher risk of side effects, including an increased risk of skin cancer. The choice between these two phototherapy approaches depends on the individual patient's response, tolerance, and the specific characteristics of their psoriasis.
• Discuss the role of monitoring and follow-up in the safe and effective use of phototherapy for psoriasis.
  • Proper monitoring and follow-up are essential for the safe and effective use of phototherapy in the treatment of psoriasis. Patients undergoing phototherapy require regular assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment and manage any potential side effects. This includes monitoring the patient's skin response, adjusting the light exposure as needed, and screening for any signs of skin irritation or increased risk of skin cancer. Frequent follow-up visits allow healthcare providers to track the patient's progress, make necessary modifications to the treatment plan, and ensure the safe and optimal use of phototherapy. Adherence to treatment protocols and close collaboration between the patient and the healthcare team are crucial for maximizing the benefits of phototherapy while minimizing the risks associated with long-term UV light exposure.

Related terms

Ultraviolet Light: Electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths shorter than visible light, but longer than X-rays, that can be used in phototherapy to treat skin conditions.

Narrowband UVB: A specific type of ultraviolet B light with a narrow range of wavelengths (311-312 nm) that is commonly used in phototherapy for psoriasis and other skin disorders.

Psoralen: A class of photosensitizing compounds that can be used in combination with ultraviolet A light (PUVA therapy) to enhance the effectiveness of phototherapy for psoriasis.