Doctors historically used surgery, or dermabrasion, to remove psoriasis plaques on the skin. However, it is not currently considered a viable treatment option for psoriasis.
The experts judged
Newer treatments, such as laser therapy, show more promise in managing psoriasis symptoms. This procedure uses focused light to target and destroy overactive skin cells, reducing the appearance of psoriasis plaques.
This article discusses psoriasis surgery, alternatives, and how they can reduce psoriasis symptoms.
Psoriasis surgery was originally a dermabrasion procedure that involved a doctor using abrasive tools or chemicals to remove plaques of psoriasis. However, these painful procedures required multiple treatments, often with limited results.
Additionally, because psoriasis is a systemic condition, psoriasis surgery did nothing to address the underlying issues. This means that the psoriasis plaques will just grow.
Doctors no longer use psoriasis surgery as newer, safer treatments have become available.
Anyone with psoriasis can benefit from laser and light therapy, especially those who have not responded well to other treatments.
Different types of phototherapy can treat effectively:
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However, although phototherapy is a good option for many people, it does not work for everyone. Anyone taking medications that make them sensitive to UV radiation, such as certain antibiotics, diuretics, and antifungals, should not undergo the procedure.
It is also not recommended for people with the following:
Recovery time from laser and phototherapy treatments can vary, but is usually relatively minimal. In addition, since laser treatment targets specific areas of the skin, there is usually no risk of extensive skin damage and complications.
Recovery from psoriasis also varies. Sometimes treatment clears up psoriasis symptoms, which doctors call “remission.” These symptom-free periods can last months or years, but most do 1–12 months.
Psoriasis is unpredictable and knowing who will go into remission and how long it will last is impossible. If symptoms return, treatment can help manage them and prevent them from getting worse.
After each phototherapy treatment, the skin will be red or pink. This is desirable, and it is not a side effect. It shows that the psoriasis plaques are responding to treatment.
Some people experience mild or moderate side effects with laser treatment.
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- darker areas (hyperpigmentation)
- blisters
- itch
- feeling of sunburn
- blisters
- erythema, raised, red rash
People may also experience long-term side effects. These can include freckles and premature skin aging such as age spots and wrinkles. However, working with a dermatologist, who can monitor the skin for any changes, will help minimize any risks.
Laser treatments and phototherapy are offered
- Reduced inflammation: By relieving inflammation, laser and phototherapy can help relieve the itching, redness, and discomfort associated with psoriasis.
- Slowing down of skin cell growth: When the overproduction of skin cells slows down, the formation of psoriasis plaques and peeling on the skin is reduced.
- Noninvasive: These treatments do not involve taking drugs or making incisions in the skin, which means they have a lower risk of side effects.
- Safe and effective: Laser and phototherapy are generally safe and effective treatments for psoriasis. They have been used for many years and have a low risk of serious side effects.
It is important that anyone who has symptoms of psoriasis, such as skin rashes, dryness, peeling or itching, contact a doctor for an evaluation. They can provide assessment and they can refer a person to a dermatologist for more specialized diagnosis and treatment.
A dermatologist can help determine the most appropriate treatment plan for the individual, which may include laser or phototherapy. They can also monitor the condition over time to make sure the psoriasis doesn’t get worse.
It is also important that people contact a doctor if they experience side effects or complications from psoriasis treatments.
Doctors once used psoriasis surgery to treat psoriasis, but it is no longer considered an effective treatment method. This is because psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition and simply removing the plaques does not address these underlying issues.
However, many other treatments, including lasers and phototherapy, can help manage psoriasis symptoms. These options are generally safe and effective with minimal side effects.
