Questions:
What is psoriasis?
Are there any new treatments available?
What is light therapy?


What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a persistent skin disease that got its name from the Greek word for "itch". The skin becomes inflamed, producing red, thickened areas with silvery scales, most often on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. The cause is unknown.

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Are there any new treatments available?
Your doctor may prescribe medications to apply on the skin containing cortisone-like compounds, synthetic vitamin D, tar, or anthralin. These may be used in combination with natural sunlight or ultraviolet light. Oral medications may also be prescribed for severe cases of psoriasis.

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What is light therapy?
Psoriasis is very responsive to light therapy. Many psoriasis patients respond to sunlight therapy. At Advanced Dermatology Associates, we have ultraviolet light therapy units available for UVB, UVA, and PUVA therapy. We also have hand and foot units for the treatment of resistant psoriasis of the hands and feet.