In general, the treatment of psoriasis always starts of with the least potent therapy or drugs. The mildest treatments are not only safe but tolerated better for most patients with psoriasis. Light therapy is frequently used in the treatment of mild psoriasis. The light source may either be natural light or artificial light. The light therapies include:

Sunlight: Controlled exposure to natural sunlight can help psoriasis. It is the ultraviolet (UV) rays in the sun light that are useful. The light induces a slower turnover of psoriatic ells. Over time the scales and the redness are reduced. Sunlight therapy should be well controlled and one should be exposed regularly to it for any benefit. The goal is not to develop a suntan or a burnt skin. Intense sunlight can infact worsen the psoriasis. There are various sunlight regimens which can be available from your dermatologist.

UVB phototherapy: UVB light is frequently used to treat psoriasis; it is generally used in combination with other therapies and does improve mild to moderate episodes of psoriasis. UVB is generally used to treat large patches of psoriasis, esp. on the back, trunk and extremities.

Narrowband UVB therapy: Today there is also a newer version of UVB light therapy known as narrowband therapy. It is more effective than the widely available regular UVB therapy. The narrow band therapy is administered every other day until the skin improves. Following this a maintenance regimen of weekly therapy is continued. Because the bean is narrow and focused, narrow band therapy has the potential to cause severe skin burns and scarring.

Photochemotherapy: This type of therapy is frequently known as psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA). The UV light therapy is combined with a light sensitizing drug (psoralen). The psoralen makes the skin very receptive and sensitive to UV light rays. Once psoralen is applied to the skin, the UV can penetrate deeper and more effectively into the skin. PUVA is often used for moderate to severe cases of psoriasis and the treatment cycles are offered every other day. Transient side effects include headaches, burning and an itch. All individuals who receive PUVA are monitored to ensure that they do not develop skin cancers. - which is a complication of PUVA therapy.

Laser: Laser is occasionally used to treat psoriasis. Excimer laser therapy is used for the mild psoriasis and does not affect normal skin. It works well on thick psoriatic patches and reduces the degree of scaling. Because the intensity of the laser is low, it is often required in multiple sessions to be effective. Extensive laser treatments can cause skin blistering and redness.

Combination light therapy. All types of light therapies can be combined with other psoriatic therapies. Combinations of light and coal are very common. Today combination of light therapy and Retinoids is also gaining more recognition. All individuals who receive combination therapy have a better response than either therapy alone

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