Treating Scalp Psoriasis: UV Treatment

UV Treatment is considered the next step up the ladder from steroidal and non-steroidal topical treatments. There are several advantages to this treatment. Treating larger areas with topical medication is time-consuming, stressful, and expensive. Moreover, moderate or severe psoriasis often becomes resistant to topical treatment.

Light therapy can treat the whole body for those who have widespread psoriasis in addition to scalp involvement. UV treatment can combine with other topical therapies for greater effect.

Light Treatment Benefits:

• Effective treatment for moderate to severe psoriasis that may be resistant to weaker topical medication
• Generally well tolerated, and short-term use is generally considered to be safe
• Can be combined with other treatments
• Treatments are significantly cheaper than systemic or biological drugs
• Hand held UVB devices are also available for personal use

Light Treatment Drawbacks:

• Light therapy can take multiple sessions, which are performed at a dermatologist's office
• Side-effects include burning, irritation, and darkened skin
• UV light exposure can lead to premature aging of skin, and increase the chances of developing skin cancer
• Treatment may not be an available option for those with a history of skin cancer, or have other high risk factors
• A significant time commitment is required during the treatment period where multiple visits will be required

Broad spectrum UVB and narrow band UVBs are the light treatments that are generally available. In these treatments, the whole body is exposed to UVB in a chamber similar to a tanning bed.

During the treatment phase, the treatment is repeated 2 to 3 times a week for 3 months, followed by some maintenance therapy that will be less frequent. This treatment can be used in conjunction with other topical treatments.