High Frequency Treatment and Optimizing Light Therapy for Psoriasis

Examining the Use of High Frequency Treatment for Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes skin cells to build up rapidly, forming thick, scaly patches on the surface of the skin. It is a chronic disease that can be challenging to manage. Some alternative therapies like high frequency treatment are being explored as supplemental approaches to help control psoriasis symptoms.

What is High Frequency Treatment?

High frequency electrical stimulation involves applying a painless current to the skin using a handheld device with a specialized glass electrode. Some key points about high frequency treatment include:

• It uses a high voltage, low amperage alternating current delivered at a high frequency.
• The current helps induce collagen and elastin production in the skin.
• It triggers mild inflammation that increases blood flow and healing factors.
• It does not actually pass current through the body, only over the skin's surface.
• It has been used historically to help treat wounds, skin infections, and inflammatory conditions.

How Might High Frequency Help Psoriasis?

Researchers believe that high frequency electrical stimulation may improve psoriasis in several ways:

• Increasing blood flow to the skin, enhancing hydration, nutrition and oxygen supply.
• Stimulating collagen production to help heal and regenerate skin cells.
• Reducing skin inflammation by balancing the immune response.
• Inhibiting rapid turnover of skin cells that causes plaque buildup.
• Killing bacteria on the skin that may trigger inflammation.

Evidence for Use in Psoriasis

While studied for decades, the evidence related to using high frequency for psoriasis is still somewhat limited. Some key points about the research include:

• Several smaller studies show some reductions in redness, scaling, and thickness of psoriatic lesions.
• More robust data from large controlled studies is still lacking.
• Complete clearing of psoriasis has generally not been reported.
• Results seem to depend on technique, current intensity, frequency, and duration of therapy.
• It may work best to reduce milder psoriasis when added to other treatments.

How High Frequency Treatment is Administered

If pursuing high frequency therapy for psoriasis, it is typically administered as follows:

• Sessions last about 10-20 minutes and are done several times per week.
• A glass vacuum electrode glides over the skin surface.
• Patients feel a slight vibration, prickling or warmth.
• Current intensity is adjusted to the highest comfortable level.
• Areas with active psoriatic lesions are targeted.
• Treatment continues until desired improvements are seen.

Potential Benefits of High Frequency Therapy

Some potential benefits of using high frequency electrical stimulation for psoriasis include:

• Non-invasive and painless, can be done without needles or medication.
• May help reduce scaling, redness and thickness of plaques.
• Improves skin hydration, circulation and collagen production.
• Short treatment sessions require minimal time commitment.
• May enhance results when combined with other psoriasis treatments.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

Some possible side effects and risks to consider with high frequency psoriasis treatment include:

• Skin irritation, blistering or burns if current intensity is set too high.
• Electric shock risk if device malfunctions or is improperly used.
• Hair loss or skin discoloration in treated areas.
• Unknown impact on pregnant women.
• Lack of robust evidence on long term efficacy and safety.

Optimizing Light Therapy Results for Psoriasis

Light therapy, also known as phototherapy, can be an effective treatment approach for reducing psoriasis symptoms. Certain measures can help patients get the best possible results from light therapy.

Use the Right Light Wavelength

Different wavelengths of ultraviolet light have different therapeutic effects on psoriasis. Choosing the right one improves results.

• UVB light with wavelengths of 311-313 nanometers works best for plaque psoriasis lesions.
• PUVA therapy combines UVA light and psoralen medication for added benefit.
• A dermatologist will recommend the optimal light based on each patient's case.

Take Light-Sensitizing Medications

Certain oral medications can make psoriasis more responsive to phototherapy. Options may include:

• Psoralen pills used alongside UVA light in PUVA therapy.
• Retinoid pills to optimize skin cell turnover and enhance UVB effects.
• Some novel medications that specifically boost phototherapy response.

Remove Scales for Better Light Penetration

Buildup of dead skin scales prevents light from adequately reaching psoriasis lesions. Exfoliating helps:

• Gently scrubbing with a loofah, pumice stone or exfoliating gloves.
• Taking dissolving mineral salt baths.
• Applying salicylic acid ointments which chemically exfoliate.
• Getting advice from your dermatologist on proper exfoliation techniques.

Moisturize After Each Phototherapy Session

Light therapy can dry the skin. Applying moisturizer after each session:

• Soothes any irritation or redness from light exposure.
• Hydrates and repairs skin to enhance healing.
• Prevents over-drying that can worsen psoriasis plaques.
• Allows for safer increase in treatment intensity and frequency if needed.

Consider Combination Therapy

Using phototherapy along with other psoriasis treatments like medications can improve its efficacy and allows lower dosing of each part of the regimen.

• Topical steroids control inflammation while light tackles overactive skin cell growth.
• Oral medications augment and accelerate light therapy results.
• Combinations are especially effective for severe, resistant cases.

Stick Closely to Your Light Therapy Schedule

For sustained improvement, phototherapy for psoriasis requires discipline to follow the full prescribed regimen.

• Don't skip appointments or light sessions - consistency is key.
• Allow enough treatment time for full results.
• Follow your dermatologist's schedule for maintenance therapy to prevent flares.
• Call your provider if you experience any adverse reaction or concerns.

Careful adherence to your tailored phototherapy schedule will provide you the greatest probability of clearing stubborn psoriatic lesions.

Incorporating Light Therapy into Your Psoriasis Treatment Plan

Due to its efficacy for reducing psoriatic plaques, light therapy is commonly incorporated into treatment regimens. There are some effective strategies for adding phototherapy to your psoriasis management plan.

Discuss with Your Dermatologist

The first step is consulting your dermatologist to decide if and how light therapy should be included based on:

• The type and severity of your psoriasis.
• Areas of your body affected.
• Your treatment history and response to other therapies.
• Other medical conditions that could impact safety or efficacy.
• Your tolerance for topical medications that may augment light effects.

Begin Carefully

Phototherapy is initiated carefully and gradually increased to avoid side effects like burns, dryness or irritation. Tips when starting include:

• Beginning with the lowest recommended dose frequency/intensity.
• Closely following radiation precautions and safety guidelines.
• Checking skin closely for any worrisome reactions.
• Adding supporting topical moisturizers or medicated creams.
• Reporting concerns promptly so light dose can be adjusted if needed.

Be Consistent with Treatment

Phototherapy for psoriasis requires commitment to the full prescribed regimen for best effect. Strategies to stay consistent:

• Keep all scheduled appointments for light sessions.
• Allow enough treatment time for optimal results.
• Follow post-session skin care and medication routines.
• Continue maintenance therapy to prevent flares.

Coordinate with Other Treatments

Light therapy can be used along with topical, oral and biologic psoriasis medications. Collaboration helps by:

• Allowing lower dosing of individual treatments.
• Improving efficacy through different mechanisms of action.
• Managing side effects like dryness, irritation or sensitivity.
• Providing comprehensive treatment for severe or resistant psoriasis.

Adjust Based on Evolving Needs

Your response to light therapy should be monitored and protocols modified if needed by:

• Increasing or reducing frequency/intensity based on response.
• Changing light wavelength if a certain type isn't effective.
• Adding or discontinuing combination medications as warranted.
• Pausing treatment if any complications develop.
• Altering maintenance phototherapy to prevent flares long-term.

With careful consultation and monitoring by your dermatology provider, light therapy can be an excellent addition to maximize control of troubling psoriatic lesions.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.