What should you know about UV light for psoriasis?

Psoriasis involves an overactive immune response that speeds up skin-cell turnover. Carefully dosed UV light can slow this process and lessen the inflammation behind raised, red or scaly plaques. Narrowband UVB is one medical option; it is not the same as deliberately exposing a rash to strong sunlight. A clinician may treat the whole body, selected areas or a limited patch according to the pattern of disease.

Improvement is assessed over a course of appointments rather than after one exposure. Dryness, itch, redness or tenderness can occur, and an excessive dose may burn the skin. Tell the treatment team if symptoms change between visits so the next exposure can be reconsidered.

Attend with clean skin unless your clinic gives different instructions, use only the products advised for treatment days and wear the required eye protection. Keep the timing consistent and do not compensate for a missed session by doubling the next exposure. Report medicines, supplements and past reactions to sunlight because some can increase sensitivity.

Moisturiser may help with dryness, while other psoriasis treatments can be combined or changed according to the severity and location of plaques. Keep a simple record of redness, itch, cracking, peeling and scaling; these details help the clinician adjust care. Protect treated skin from additional UV exposure unless your dermatologist gives specific advice.

Contact the clinic promptly for blistering, intense pain, pronounced swelling, severe redness that does not settle or a reaction that is worsening after treatment. Seek urgent care for breathing difficulty or swelling of the lips or face. Arrange medical review for rapidly spreading psoriasis, painful skin cracks, fever or joint swelling, since light therapy may not address the whole flare.

Which phototherapy type fits my psoriasis and skin sensitivity? How will the dose be increased or reduced? What should I apply before and after a session? Which medicines should I pause or report? What is the plan if plaques return after the course?