Sindorim Station Dermatology Clinic: Can Psoriasis Be Treated with Light? <Phototherapy>

What if, one morning, you notice white, flaky skin lifting on your arms or knees?

Many people would probably think it is simply dry skin and apply moisturizer.

However, if flakes keep appearing in the same spot the next day, it may be a sign that something is wrong with the skin.

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that occurs when the skin turnover cycle—that is, the rhythm of shedding and regenerating dead skin cells—becomes abnormally fast.

It is characterized by flaky, scale-like skin on the surface and red rashes.

It can also cause mild itching, which may reduce sleep quality and lead to psychological issues such as lowered confidence and self-esteem.

That is why, if you believe psoriasis has developed, it may be advisable to plan treatment before it gets any worse.

Today, at Sindorim Station Dermatology Clinic, we will explain in detail the causes of psoriasis and the appropriate treatment methods.

-Sindorim Station Dermatology Clinic Column Outline-

1. Why problems occur in the skin turnover cycle
2. Psoriasis phototherapy treatment
3. What to be careful about after psoriasis phototherapy

Why does the skin turnover cycle speed up?

As mentioned at the beginning, psoriasis is a skin condition that occurs when there is a problem with the skin turnover cycle.

And the skin turnover cycle can change due to various factors.

First, let’s talk about immune system confusion.

Normally, the immune system, which is meant to block outside invaders, becomes misdirected and starts attacking the body’s own skin cells, causing the turnover cycle to speed up rapidly.

Stress is also an unavoidable factor.

Mental stress can stimulate the body’s hormones and nervous signaling systems, leading to immune imbalance and worsening inflammatory responses.

In addition, infectious diseases such as tonsillitis and pharyngitis are also cited as representative factors that can trigger psoriasis.

Can psoriasis be treated with light?

Psoriasis is a skin condition in which the immune system overreacts, causing dead skin cells to be produced much faster than normal.

Phototherapy is a treatment method that can help correct this immune system imbalance.

This treatment delivers light of a specific wavelength to the affected area to regulate immune and inflammatory responses.

Through this process, the scales accumulated across the skin can gradually improve, and the redness can also become less noticeable.

In addition, because the treatment is performed by exposing the skin to light, it has the advantage of causing less pain and requiring little recovery time.

However, phototherapy is not a short-term solution but a long-term one.

To expect a satisfactory improvement in symptoms through phototherapy, consistent treatment for about 3 to 6 months may be necessary.

However, the treatment interval and number of sessions may vary depending on the patient’s skin condition and the severity of the lesions, so an examination by medical staff is essential.

How can recurrence be prevented?

After phototherapy, the skin becomes temporarily sensitive.

Because of this, the skin may feel temporarily dry.

Therefore, after phototherapy, it may be advisable to provide sufficient moisturizing care so the skin does not become even more dry.

Also, to prevent irritation from ultraviolet rays, you should be sure to apply sunscreen carefully when going outside.

Using a hat or parasol to physically block external UV rays can also be helpful.

In addition, if severe stress builds up, psoriasis symptoms may recur, so it may be advisable to manage stress through adequate sleep and regular exercise.

You should also maintain a nutritious diet to support a healthy immune system.

Psoriasis is a skin condition that requires a long period of waiting and patience.

However, it is also a skin condition in which substantial symptom improvement can be expected through consistent treatment and care.

That said, different treatment methods may be applied depending on the severity of the symptoms and the affected areas.

In addition, the treatment interval and number of sessions may vary slightly.

Therefore, it may be advisable to choose a clinic that carefully examines the skin so that as many relevant factors as possible can be properly assessed.

I hope today’s column was of some help to patients with psoriasis, and I will end the article here.

If you have any questions in addition to the information above, please leave them in the comments below.

Sindorim Station Dermatology Clinic will kindly answer. Thank you.

| This post was written for informational purposes in compliance with Article 56, Paragraphs 1 to 15 of the Medical Service Act. All treatments carry the risk of side effects and complications depending on the individual. Before treatment, please be sure to have a thorough consultation with medical staff with extensive experience before making your decision. |