There are countless diseases that can affect the skin, and psoriasis is one of the most chronic. It is not always easy to treat psoriasis, as it can show up anywhere on the body, and often requires a personalized treatment program. Physicians in Chicago often treat the condition using oral tablets or phototherapy.
Psoriasis is a skin condition that affects about 7.5 million Americans of all ages. The condition is characterized by white blisters or lesions that are covered with silvery scales. It is a serious condition that can affect different parts of the body, including the hands, feet, knees, and scalp.
There are different types of psoriasis, and plaque psoriasis is the most common. The usual symptoms include red scaly patches that are oval in shape.
Phototherapy for Psoriasis
Phototherapy involves the application of ultraviolet rays to the affected areas. Because psoriasis causes the rapid growth of skin cells, the ability of the UV rays to slow this growth, is very helpful in treating the condition. Treatment may consist of several sessions using UVA or UVB rays. UVB phototherapy is recommended for more severe cases of psoriasis.
Lasers for Psoriasis
Ultraviolet therapy from excimer lasers is also used to treat psoriasis in Chicago. The lasers emit intense doses of UVB light to the patches of psoriasis on the skin. As the light penetrates these areas it treats the damaged tissue, without affecting the nearby healthy tissue. Laser treatment often requires fewer treatments than the traditional phototherapy, as the laser light is stronger, and reaches deeper into the skin.
Phototherapy and lasers are often recommended for more severe cases of psoriasis. For milder cases, doctors often use sprays, foams, or creams. Oftentimes a combination treatment that uses phototherapy or lasers may be used alongside oral medicines.