Psoriasis is a skin condition which is caused by a malfunction in our own immune systems.
In normal circumstances, on sustaining a cut or lesion, our immune systems trigger a response to activate a repair mechanism to heal the skin.
Normally, our bodies produce skin cells via a process in which the new cells develop at the deepest (innermost) layer of the skin.
New skin cells are developed at the innermost layer forcing cell layers above upwards towards the uppermost layer of the skin. Once the skin cells reach the uppermost layer they die and flake off.
Normal skin cell development timescales are between 3-4 weeks, the time between a new cell developing to the skin cell dying and flaking off the epidermis.
Psoriasis is triggered when our immune systems malfunction, going into hyperdrive, forcing this process of cell regeneration to completes in 3-7 days rather than the normal 3-4 weeks. Psoriatic skin cells reaching the surface in 3-7 days are immature and build up quickly on the outer layer of the epidermis as patches of inflamed flaky skin, easily susceptible to irritation.
Whilst we do not fully understand the mechanism that causes the body to malfunction, Psoriasis will remain a condition which is not curable; However, we can treat the symptoms of Psoriasis, these symptoms can be controlled with the correct remedy.
Many treatments exist to relieve the symptoms of Psoriasis including lotions, tablets and injections, but by far one of the most effective treatments for Psoriasis on the hands is Narrowband UVB light therapy.
At MBS, we specialise in a range of light therapy units, including hand held units, designed for use within your own home, enabling you to benefit from the same Narrowband UVB light that you would receive if you used similar equipment for Phototherapy in a hospital or care centre.