How does phototherapy treat plaque psoriasis?

Home phototherapy can be a safe, non-drug option to treat psoriasis. In this video, Melissa Levin, MD, explains why it is important to work closely with your doctor to manage your device in order to dose your treatment properly.

Transcript

00:00

Ultraviolet light radiation can actually cause serious burns, just like getting a sunburn. It's very important to manage your home phototherapy

00:09

device with a doctor in order to dose the unit appropriately. [MUSIC PLAYING]

00:32

Home phototherapy devices can actually be a relatively safe and incredibly effective non-drug option for the treatment of psoriasis.

00:41

We know that phototherapy or light therapy actually emits a wavelength of light that is known to decrease

00:47

the inflammation in the skin. That's why it works in psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.

00:55

While it seems safe, it's important to realize that ultraviolet radiation or UV radiation can also be potentially hazardous.

01:04

Ultraviolet light radiation can actually cause serious burns, just like getting a sunburn. It's very important to manage your home phototherapy device

01:13

with a doctor in order to dose the unit appropriately, making sure that you're doing it the right times of the week,

01:19

the frequency of the treatments, and how and if you're developing any sort of adverse side effects. [AUDIO LOGO]