Why Phototherapy is Better:
According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, phototherapy is “the safest treatment for psoriasis” because it has fewer side effects than biologics. An NPF article reports, “…biologics can increase the chance of infections and require monitoring for other adverse effects…the risks associated with phototherapy are fairly minor…”1
Biologics have a risk of adverse side effects because they work by suppressing the patient’s immune system, making the patient more vulnerable to infections. Cases of tuberculosis, pneumonia, and brain infection have been documented.2
In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the American Academy of Dermatology has issued guidance recommending that doctors exercise caution prescribing biologics due to the risk of immunosuppression.3
“Light therapy is considered to be the safest way to treat psoriasis because you’re treating from the outside in.”
-Dr. Joel Gelfand, Director of the Psoriasis and Phototherapy Treatment Center at the University of Pennsylvania
