Continue with WhatsApp

x
+91
whatsapp

Continue with Phone

x
+91
Best Vitiligo Treatment in India
Best Vitiligo Treatment in India
vitiligo
img
shape

Phototherapy for Scalp Psoriasis | Kayakalp

icon

12 September 2024

Psoriasis is a chronic skin ailment marked by the rapid growth of skin cells. This leads to scaly and thick patches that are emotionally distressing for the patients. It is an autoimmune disorder that affects millions of people worldwide.

One of the leading treatment options for psoriasis, especially scalp psoriasis, is phototherapy. This involves the use of specific wavelengths of ultraviolet (UV) light to help in slowing down the overproduction of skin cells and reduce inflammation.

If you are considering phototherapy for psoriasis to treat the symptoms, Kayakalp Global is one of the leading clinics that offers holistic treatment options.

Phototherapy for Scalp Psoriasis Treatment

Among the different types of psoriasis known, scalp psoriasis responds the best to phototherapy. Due to the presence of hair, it is usually one of the most challenging types of psoriasis to manage, making the application of topical treatments much more complicated.

Phototherapy for psoriasis offers an effective alternative for individuals struggling with this condition. Usually, both UVB light therapy and PUVA therapy have effective impacts in managing the symptoms of scalp psoriasis. As for the frequency of the treatment, usually two to three times a week, it is recommended to keep the symptoms in check.

The duration of phototherapy for scalp psoriasis varies from a few minutes to half an hour, depending on the severity of the condition and the area being treated.

After achieving remission, maintenance therapy may be necessary to prevent recurrence. This might involve less frequent sessions or using a UV comb at home. Since the treatment is noninvasive, the popularity of phototherapy is usually much more pronounced.

Phototherapy can effectively manage scalp psoriasis, leading to improved self-esteem and quality of life. It can also reduce the visible symptoms of the disease.

Also Read: Yoga Asanas for Scalp Psoriasis

Benefits of Phototherapy for Scalp Psoriasis

When discussing the use of phototherapy to treat psoriasis symptoms, it is also important to understand its benefits.

Following are some of the more pronounced benefits of this treatment option:

  • Many patients find relief from symptoms like itching, scaling, and redness.
  • Unlike some systemic medications, phototherapy can be used for extended periods with proper monitoring, making it a viable long-term treatment option.
  • Phototherapy is a noninvasive treatment that doesn't involve injections or oral medications, reducing the risk of systemic side effects.
  • With regular sessions, patients often notice a marked improvement in their quality of life as the severity and frequency of flare-ups decrease.

However, like any medical treatment, phototherapy is not without risks and requires commitment for the best end results that last longer. It typically involves multiple sessions per week over several months.

Phototherapy for Scalp Psoriasis Side Effects

Phototherapy for scalp psoriasis is usually considered a safe treatment option. However, you must remember that every treatment has certain advantages and disadvantages.

You must be aware of both short-term and long-term side effects when using phototherapy to treat psoriasis. At Kayakalp Global, our specialists will explain the pros and cons before starting the treatment to ensure you are making informed decisions.

Short-Term Side Effects

  • Skin redness and irritation
  • Itching and dry skin
  • Blistering
  • Tanning

Long-Term Side Effects

  • Increased risks of skin cancer (rare)
  • Premature aging of the skin
  • Eye damage
  • Hyperpigmentation

Although these sound like concerning complications, you have to consider that when the treatment is done by an experienced specialist like the ones at Kayakalp Global, the risks and complications are minimal to none.

Phototherapy for Scalp Psoriasis Cost

Knowing the costs is vital if you are considering scalp psoriasis treatment. This allows you to decide whether to proceed based on your budget and affordability.

The overall phototherapy for psoriasis cost depends on multiple factors, including the type of phototherapy, the location of the clinic, the number of sessions involved, and the severity of the condition.

On average, you can expect to pay between ₹500 to ₹1,500 per session for narrowband UVB treatment. The cost of PUVA (Psoralen + UVA) therapy may range from ₹800 to ₹2,000. The cost for red and blue light therapy is usually a lot less, especially if you opt for the at-home devices.

In addition to the actual treatment cost, you also need to consider the cost of the consultation before the treatment, which can be around ₹1,500 per consultation.

Can We Do UVB Light Therapy at Home?

Is it a viable option? Yes. But, is it the best one? Potentially not.

Using home UVB light therapy treatments requires a thorough understanding of the device and the treatment that follows.

Some of the benefits of doing UVB light therapy at home include:

  • Convenience
  • Cost-effectiveness
  • Privacy
  • Flexibility

However, in addition to the benefits, you also need to consider the challenges or complications that come with administering the treatment at home.

  • The most common issue is the need for more training. Even when you have the equipment at home, knowing how to use it and how long to use it is very important.
  • Even when you administer the UVB light therapy treatment at home, you should consult your psoriasis specialist regularly to monitor the symptoms.
  • The initial cost of buying the at-home UVB light therapy set-up can be pretty expensive, so consider that.
  • Home phototherapy units may not be as powerful as those in a clinical setting, further affecting the effectiveness of the scalp psoriasis treatment.

Who Should Consider Home Phototherapy?

Home phototherapy may be a good option for patients with moderate to severe psoriasis who have responded well to UVB therapy in a clinical setting and require ongoing treatment. It is also suitable for those who need help to attend regular clinic appointments due to time constraints or geographical distance.

However, you must consider that not all psoriasis patients are candidates for home phototherapy. For example, if you have a history of skin cancer or photosensitivity disorders, it might not be a good choice for you.

Red or Blue Light Therapy for Psoriasis?

Given the growing popularity of red and blue light therapy for psoriasis, many patients are often curious about which one to choose from.

Red Light Therapy

Red light therapy uses low-level wavelengths of red light (typically between 630 and 700 nm) to penetrate the skin. It reduces inflammation and promotes healing by increasing circulation and supporting cellular repair.

It helps manage inflammation, prompting wound healing, and is a non-toxic and non-invasive treatment option.

Blue Light Therapy

Blue light therapy uses wavelengths of blue light (typically between 415 and 455 nm) to target bacteria and other triggers that can exacerbate psoriasis. It is also thought to reduce inflammation and regulate cell turnover.

It has antibacterial properties, thereby reducing the risks of infections. It also significantly reduces the scaling on the skin.

Both red and blue light therapies show potential for managing psoriasis but are generally not considered first-line treatments. So, when it comes to phototherapy for scalp psoriasis, our specialists at Kayakalp Global will usually advise getting UVB light therapy as the primary line of treatment and follow it up with red or blue light therapy.

Why Choose Kayakalp for Phototherapy for Scalp Psoriasis Treatment?

Kayakalp Global has been a leading name in providing psoriasis treatment in india to its patients for 25+ years. With 2+ lac patients treated, Kayakalp has become a pioneer in managing scalp psoriasis for patients nationwide.

Following are the pointers that explain why Kayakalp Global is a leading choice for scalp psoriasis patients:

Experienced Scalp Psoriasis Specialists

Your initial consultation for scalp psoriasis at Kayakalp Global is undertaken by leading specialists in the field who have been helping patients for decades. Extensive experience ensures you receive a comprehensive diagnosis, followed by tailored treatment plans, especially phototherapy treatments.

Leading and Advanced Technologies Used

We use the latest phototherapy equipment to provide effective and efficient treatments. This ensures targeted and precise treatments that render optimal results and that the patient is in remission from experiencing the scalp psoriasis symptoms.

Individual Treatment Plans

Scalp psoriasis is a highly subjective condition. While the symptoms might be similar across patients, the extent of the disease or the trigger points might be different. This is one of the main reasons we prioritize individual and personalized treatment plans for our patients.

Affordable Pricing

Phototherapy can be an alarming treatment plan for many, especially considering the price point. At Kayakalp Global, our objective is to help as many patients regain their quality of life as possible. This is one of the reasons our treatment plans are affordable and can be availed by every patient from different walks of life.

If you're struggling with scalp psoriasis, consider choosing Kayakalp for effective and compassionate care. Our team is committed to helping you achieve clearer, healthier skin.

Book your consultation with our specialists at Kayakalp Global today!