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UVB Light Box

A number of individuals suffer from psoriasis, an autoimmune disease that takes form on your skin. It is a common dermatological issue that many patients may complain of because of its unsightly appearance. Depending on the form of psoriasis, it may appear as scaly red and white patches of skin, or appear as a “bubbly” rash. It can appear anywhere on the body, and can make individuals that suffer from psoriasis feel very uneasy and self-conscious about their body. It affects everyone, individuals of all ages, and both men and women. There is currently no cure for those suffering from psoriasis, but there are various ways to manage it and keep it from getting out of hand and spreading.

UVB Light Box, Walnut Creek

Though this is a chronic, lifelong condition, there are ways to treat it. While some can use topical creams and medications to address their psoriasis, others may find benefits with another option that is becoming more and more popular: the treatment of psoriasis with ultraviolet (UV) light therapy. UV light is present in natural sunlight which can help psoriasis but artificial UV lamps and lasers are a more targeted way of treating the condition. There are two types of UV light: UVA and UVB. UVA requires the use of a chemical called psoralen and causes increased hypersensitivity to the sun. UVB is the preferred method of treating psoriasis. Dr. Lee has both available at her center but recommends UVB light treatment either delivered by a Light Box or laser. A UV Light Box treatment for psoriasis is a way of safely and effectively treating large parts of the body with a measured and concentrated amount of UV light similar to that present in natural sunlight, to help slow down the abnormal growth of skin cells present in psoriasis and thereby improving the appearance of the skin and decreasing the symptoms of psoriasis. This is also called ultraviolet phototherapy, and many individuals have found it to be extremely successful and effective in treating their skin concerns. The amount of UV light used to treat a patient through a UV Light Box is determined based on their skin type and the severity of their psoriasis. The UV Light Box is best for patients who have psoriasis over multiple areas or a large part of their body and scalp.

One of newest tools in phototherapy is lasers. Lasers emit highly focused beams of light. Dr. Lee has all the latest UVB lasers that are an even more effective way of directing UV light only to certain areas of the body that are affected by psoriasis. This is the best way to treat small areas without having to expose the whole body to UV light. Laser therapy may require fewer treatments than conventional phototherapy.

Phototherapy with a UV Light Box or with a UVB laser is an affordable way to control the look of psoriasis and help provide relief to patients suffering from this disease. Dr. Lee has been expertly trained and experienced in this advanced form of psoriasis treatment and would be happy to schedule a consultation appointment with you to find out if UV Light Box therapy is the solution to your skin concerns!

Dr. Christine Lee

Dr. Min-Wei Christine Lee

Dr. Christine Lee is a Board-certified Dermatologist with sub-specialties in laser surgery, cosmetic surgery, Mohs Micrographic Surgery, facial plastic reconstruction, and dermatologic surgery. She leads The Skin And Laser Treatment Institute as its Director and serves as Clinical Faculty for the Department of Dermatologic Surgery at the University of California San Francisco. Patients travel from across the globe for her expertise, and Dr. Lee has trained thousands of stateside and international doctors.

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