Guttate psoriasis Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, January 2009.
Answers to questions about guttate psoriasis
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- Will it help my psoriasis to use a normal sunbed?
- Could UVB phototherapy give me skin cancer?
- Will having my tonsils removed stop me from getting guttate psoriasis?
Will it help my psoriasis to use a normal sunbed?
Sunbeds are of limited or no value in psoriasis.
Explanation
Ultraviolet light prescribed in hospital is carefully controlled in both the dose that is delivered to the skin and the wavelength of the light emitted. Both of these factors will be recorded as your treatment is gradually increased. This allows you to be given the most effective light treatment in the safest manner.
Unfortunately, high street sunbeds provide no control of the exact spectrum of light emitted or of the dose of light delivered. In addition, the amount of UVB light, which is the most effective type of light for treating psoriasis, is frequently reduced in high street units, as it can be associated with burning if not used carefully.
This means that the light produced by sunbeds may be of no benefit to psoriasis or it may even be harmful. There is very good evidence demonstrating the link between sunbed use and the risk of skin cancer.
Sources
- Treatments for moderate or severe psoriasis. British Association of Dermatologists. www.bad.org.uk, accessed 4 June 2008
- Guttate psoriasis. The Psoriasis Association. www.psoriasis-association.org.uk, accessed 4 June 2008
- International Agency for Research on Cancer Working Group on artificial ultraviolet (UV) light and skin cancer, The association of use of sunbeds with cutaneous malignant melanoma and other skin cancers: A systematic review. International J Cancer 2007; 120(11): 2526
Could UVB phototherapy give me skin cancer?
As with any form of sunlight, there is a chance UVB therapy could increase your risk of getting skin cancer. However, the UVB you are given is carefully controlled for this reason.
Explanation
Ultraviolet B (UVB) is a type of light that occurs naturally in the sun's rays. As with any form of sunlight, UVB phototherapy can theoretically increase your risk of developing skin cancer. However, these risks are thought to be low.
The use of UVB is carefully controlled, to ensure you are put at little risk as possible.
- Your doctor will usually only suggest treatment with UVB if creams and ointments haven't worked, or if they are impractical (for example, if your psoriasis is very widespread).
- You will not usually be advised to have UVB phototherapy if you have a history of previous skin cancer or a condition that makes you more sensitive to ultraviolet light.
- When you have the therapy, you will be given small doses to start with and your treatment times will be gradually built up. This is to avoid burning your skin.
- UVB is generally not given long term without careful consideration.
The newest form of UVB phototherapy known as "narrow band" uses a single wavelength of ultraviolet light, which is known to be the best for treating psoriasis, and avoids some of the potentially harmful wavelengths.
Sources
- Treatments for moderate or severe psoriasis. British Association of Dermatologists. www.bad.org.uk, accessed 4 June 2008
- Guidelines for the general management of psoriasis. British Association of Dermatologists. www.bad.org.uk, accessed 29 May 2008
Will having my tonsils removed stop me from getting guttate psoriasis?
It is currently unclear whether having your tonsils out can help to prevent guttate psoriasis. It may be beneficial for certain people who have frequent bouts of the condition.
Explanation
The tonsils are two small glands at the back of your throat. If you have a throat infection, the tonsils can also become infected and swell up (tonsillitis). This is especially common in young children. Guttate psoriasis often develops after a throat infection, particularly if the tonsils have become infected too.
Because of this, if you or your child are having repeated attacks of tonsillitis, followed by flare-ups of guttate psoriasis, your doctor may recommend an operation to have your/your child's tonsils removed (a tonsillectomy). Having psoriasis on its own is not a reason to have your tonsils taken out.
However, doctors don't know for certain exactly how well this procedure works in preventing guttate psoriasis, as not enough studies have been done. And as with any procedure, there are a number of risks involved. Your doctor will talk to you about the procedure, and help you to weigh up the risks and the potential benefits.
Sources
- Owen CM, Chalmers RJG, O'Sullivan T, et al. Antistreptococcal interventions for guttate and chronic plaque psoriasis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2008, Issue 2. Art No: CD001976
- Guttate psoriasis. The Psoriasis Association. www.psoriasis-association.org.uk, accessed 4 June 2008
- Guidelines for the general management of psoriasis. British Association of Dermatologists. www.bad.org.uk, accessed 29 May 2008
Related topics
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Dr Mike Ardern-Jones, BSc, MBBS, MRCP, DPhil, Consultant Dermatologist, Southampton University NHS Trust and Spire Southampton Hospital, and by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: January 2009
Guttate psoriasis factsheet
Visit the guttate psoriasis health factsheet for more information.
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