Psoriasis relief: Phototherapy vs Sunlight vs Sunbeds

Psoriasis Relief: The Benefits of Phototherapy vs. Sunlight vs. Sunbeds

If you have psoriasis, like most medical conditions, a well-meaning person would have given some psoriasis treatment advice at some point along the way. You may have been told to ‘get more sunshine’ or even ‘use a tanning salon.’ The question is, is there any merit in what they are saying? The answer is not really, but there is something in what they say. We explain:

Understanding Psoriasis and Light Therapy

Psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune condition, leads to the buildup of skin cells, causing scaling and inflammation. Light therapy, or phototherapy, uses specific light wavelengths to slow skin cell growth and reduce inflammation, relieving psoriasis symptoms.

Phototherapy at Derma Revive Skin Clinic

At Derma Revive Skin Clinic, we harness the power of advanced LED technology to offer cutting-edge phototherapy treatments. Our clinic is equipped with two state-of-the-art LED machines: the Dermalux Flex MD and the Tri-Wave MD. These devices are designed to effectively treat psoriasis and other skin conditions, ensuring minimal risk and maximum therapeutic benefit.

Dermalux Flex MD

The Dermalux Flex MD stands at the forefront of LED phototherapy, offering targeted treatments that are both quick and non-invasive. This machine is distinguished by its ability to deliver precise wavelengths of light directly to the affected areas, making it highly effective for treating psoriasis. The Flex MD utilises a combination of wavelengths, including UVB, known for slowing down the rapid growth of skin cells associated with psoriasis. Its versatility allows for treating various skin conditions beyond psoriasis, including acne, eczema, and vitiligo, by promoting healing and reducing inflammation. With treatments that require no downtime, patients can immediately resume their daily activities post-session.

Tri-Wave MD

The Tri-Wave MD incorporates innovative tri-wave technology to expand upon LED phototherapy’s capabilities. This feature enables the machine to emit a broader spectrum of light, including visible light, thus allowing for a more comprehensive approach to skin treatment. The Tri-Wave MD’s multi-layer targeting is particularly beneficial for addressing the deeper layers of the skin, where it can effectively treat more persistent or severe cases of psoriasis. By offering customisable treatment plans, the Tri-Wave MD ensures that each patient receives a tailored approach, precisely addressing their specific skin concerns. This holistic method not only targets the symptoms of psoriasis but also works to rejuvenate and revitalise the skin, contributing to overall skin health and appearance.

Sunlight and Psoriasis

Natural sunlight, with its composition of about 5% UVB rays (the beneficial light), can temporarily relieve psoriasis symptoms by slowing down the rapid skin cell growth associated with the condition. The well-meaning advice you received about getting more sunlight does not consider the other harmful rays you get in sunlight. The predominance of UVA rays, which constitute about 95% of the UV radiation that reaches the Earth’s surface, alongside the small but potent fraction of UVB, means that unregulated exposure to sunlight carries significant risks. Excessive exposure not only increases the likelihood of sunburn but also elevates the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma and non-melanoma types. Given these considerations, relying solely on natural sunlight for psoriasis treatment without appropriate protective measures and moderation can be a less safe option, underscoring the importance of seeking controlled, medically supervised treatments for long-term management.

Sunbeds: Risks Outweigh Benefits

Sunbeds mainly emit ultraviolet A (UVA) rays. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin compared to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, which are more beneficial for treating conditions like psoriasis. While UVB rays play a key role in phototherapy treatments by slowing down the growth of skin cells and reducing inflammation, the UVA rays from sunbeds do not offer the same therapeutic benefits for psoriasis. But when you factor in the use of sunbeds increases the risk of skin damage and premature ageing, and significantly raises the risk of skin cancer, it becomes clear not to use them.

Choosing Derma Revive Skin Clinic for Phototherapy

Choosing Derma Revive Skin Clinic for phototherapy means accessing specialised treatment with advanced technology. The clinic’s use of Dermalux devices ensures a high level of care tailored to individual skin needs, prioritising safety and efficacy.