If you are still trying to figure out what sun lamp for psoriasis is, then you have come to the right place. We are going to tell you all about this kind of therapy that you can easily do at home if you are suffering from psoriasis. Keep reading and you will find out all you need to know about this remarkable and practical treatment.
What You Need to Know About Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a disease that is mediated by the immune system. People with psoriasis will experience symptoms such as rashes or red patches on the surface of their skin. These patches have several characteristics such as scaly and raised. People will psoriasis will also experience the feeling of itchiness or a burning sensation in the areas of the lesion.
The red patches in psoriasis can appear on several parts of your body. The areas that are most often affected are the outside of the elbows, the knees, and the scalp. However, psoriasis patches can also appear in any part of one’s body.
How Psoriasis Develops
Other than knowing what psoriasis is, you also need to know what to do for psoriasis. There is not much known about the actual cause of psoriasis. However, what we do know is that the immune system and genetics play quite a huge role in the development of this disease.
When the immune system is triggered, inflammatory substances are released. This causes skin cells to grow abnormally and rapidly. This process will eventually cause red scaly patches to grow on the surface of the skin. The inflammatory substances that are released by the immune cells will also stimulate the nerve cells around the skin, causing the lesions to itch.
Because genetic factors also play a role in the development of psoriasis, a family history of psoriasis will also increase the risk of developing this disease. That is why your doctor will probably ask if you have other family members who experience the same thing. If you have an itchy rash that will not go away with over-the-counter medicine, it is important to get it evaluated by a doctor just in case.
Treatment of Psoriasis
There are several treatments that can help relieve the symptoms of psoriasis. A doctor will probably prescribe topical medications such as ointments to help suppress the immune system. Other medications can also be used to treat psoriasis, such as vitamin D and retinoids.
A kind of treatment that is also quite effective for psoriasis is ultraviolet (UV) light therapy. Ultraviolet light for psoriasis has been known to help relieve the symptoms of moderate to severe psoriasis. That is the kind of treatment that we will discuss in depth.
Ultraviolet Therapy for Psoriasis
UV therapy for psoriasis is an additional therapy that can be done to help treat psoriasis. This kind of treatment is usually recommended if psoriasis patients do not respond to regular medications. It is also recommended if someone has moderate or severe psoriasis.
You can undergo UV therapy for psoriasis at your local clinic or hospital. The therapy will last in several sessions over the course of 2 to 3 months. Your doctor will evaluate the progress each time you come in. You will also have to go to three to five sessions per week to get maximum results.
Ultraviolet Therapy at Home
If you do not feel like going to the hospital three to five times a week, you can choose to get sun lamp for psoriasis and undergo the therapy at the comfort of your own home. This is also quite an economical and practical therapy choice, especially if you live far away from the nearest hospital. However, there are several things that you need to know if you choose to do this at home.
Based on actual research, ultraviolet therapy at home has similar results to ultraviolet therapy that psoriasis patients undergo in hospitals. In fact, people prefer undergoing ultraviolet therapy at home because of how comfortable they are during the treatment. And why not? They are doing it at home, allowing them to be as comfortable as they can be.
Ultraviolet light for psoriasis can be done at home if the patient owns a phototherapy unit. Finding one is easy since it can be bought in a store that sells medical devices. However, you will need a prescription in order to be able to buy one. That is why you will still need to consult with a doctor first before you are able to start your UV treatment at home.
The Procedure of Ultraviolet Therapy at Home
Once your doctor has prescribed you with UV therapy, you will need to undergo a session at the hospital first. After that, you will be given the choice to do it at home. If you decide to do that, your doctor will prescribe a phototherapy device that you can buy. The cost of home phototherapy units can vary. That is why you better consult with your doctor first.
The procedure of UV therapy at home is basically the same as one in the hospital. It is crucial that you follow the instructions of your healthcare provider during your UV treatment at home. Therefore, you will be able to avoid any unwanted side effects from the treatment.
Having treatment at home does not mean that you do not need to go to the hospital ever again. You still have to consult with your doctor after each treatment. This allows your doctor to monitor and evaluate your condition and see the improvements. The improvements in the symptoms will usually occur within 2-4 weeks of phototherapy.
Conclusion
Psoriasis is a condition that affects your skin. This immune-mediated disease will cause red rashes or scaly patches to appear on your skin. One of the most effective treatments for psoriasis is UV therapy. The best thing about this therapy is that you can do this right at home. All you need to do is get yourself a sun lamp for psoriasis and you are all set.