Why phototherapy treatment is chosen by Kensington area psoriasis patients

Those affected by the autoimmune disorder psoriasis may be chronically plagued with red, inflamed skin. The underlying cause of this condition is not known, though we do know that the buildup of skin cells occurs because of dysfunction in the rate of cellular turnover. The abnormal behavior of T-cells, it is believed, is what leads to itching and pain. Finding solutions to psoriasis is essential to limit the impact on quality of life.

At Washington Dermatology Center, we plan treatment around a number of specifics, such as location, severity, and type of psoriasis. Our goal is to achieve clearer, healthier skin and to minimize the risk of future flare-ups. One treatment option that is showing promising results is phototherapy. This treatment is administered by an experienced professional in one of our offices near Bethesda.

What is phototherapy?

Technically, phototherapy is a treatment that affects the skin with light. There are a few different types of phototherapy used to improve the symptoms of psoriasis. In our offices, we use narrow band UVB light.

Narrow band UVB is found in natural sunlight. The wavelength used for NB-UVB phototherapy is where the greatest benefits originate. In the eyes of many experts, this type of light therapy is best suited to the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis.

Due to the intense strength of narrow band UVB phototherapy, treatment times are decreased. At the same time, the gentleness of the wavelengths used is less likely to cause skin cancer when compared to PUVA phototherapy. The technology and type of light is so safe that NB-UVB phototherapy treatments may be used by children and pregnant women. There are no side effects associated with this type of care.

Phototherapy targets the skin cells for slowed renewal. Most people experience the most dramatic results through a series of treatments. Sessions are typically scheduled every few days. This therapy may or may not be combined with topical skin treatments.

Dr. Ronald Prussick has extensive experience in the treatment of skin conditions like psoriasis. He is not only a board-certified physician with decades of hands on experience but also a psoriasis expert mentored by Dr. Ricky Schachter, founder of the first psoriasis education and research center in North America.

Learn more about the management of psoriasis at Washington Dermatology Center in Rockville or Frederick. Call for your appointment today.