Download Phototherapy - Dermatology Associates of York

Treatments for Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a very common skin condition that affects a large number of people of any
age. There is no cure for psoriasis but there are many treatments available that can help
patients live normal lives. The goal of these treatments is to help alleviate the symptoms
of the disease and to help prevent complications that may occur when this skin condition
is left untreated.
Biologics
Drugs such as:
Amevive (alefacept), Enbrel (etanercept), Humira (adalimumab), Raptiva
(efalizumab), and Remicade (infliximab)
Recent developments in the use of biologics for the treatment of psoriasis and
autoimmune disorders have become a standard way to treat severe or stubborn forms of
these diseases. Our dermatologists are committed to staying abreast of the many new
drugs as they become available to assure our patients the latest advances in the treatment
of psoriasis.
Phototherapy
Phototherapy is a very well studied, relatively safe and extremely effective way of
treating numerous types of skin disorders. It has been studied and used most frequently
in conditions such as psoriasis, where it is one of the more effective treatments available
for severe cases. It is also used frequently in such disorders as atopic dermatitis
(eczema), mycosis fungoides/cutaneous lymphoma, as well as in itching of pregnancy
and many other disorders of the skin.
Phototherapy works by exposing the skin to ultraviolet rays of specific wavelengths.
Rays of these wavelengths tend to suppress the skin’s immune system (without harming
the rest of the immune system) and can lead to improvement of many different skin
disorders. By using specific wavelengths of light, the beneficial effects of phototherapy
can be amplified, while the negative effects, especially the long-term risk of skin cancer,
can be minimized.
Tanning beds do not use these specific light wavelengths, leading to a patient who uses
them for skin disorders to need a higher dose to achieve similar results. This higher dose
leads to a significantly increased risk of skin cancer in people who use tanning beds for
medical purposes. It is not recommended.
Currently, Dermatology Associates offers two different types of phototherapy: UVB
(ultraviolet-B) phototherapy and PUVA (psoralen plus ultraviolet-A) phototherapy. Both
of these treatments have significant benefits when given under the care and supervision
of our medical staff.