A review of phototherapy protocols for psoriasis treatment.

Type:Uv phototherapy Time:2014-12-11 15:33:42

Lapolla W1, Yentzer BA, Bagel J, Halvorson CR, Feldman SR.

Author information

Abstract

Phototherapy is a mainstay in the treatment of psoriasis and is available as psoralen plus UVA (PUVA), broadband UVB (BB-

UVB), and narrowband UVB (NB-UVB). Phototherapy can be administered in the hospital, outpatient clinic, or in the patient's

home. The purpose of this review is to provide some practical guidance to general dermatologists and residents on the

specifics of using phototherapy, which, despite its decreasing use, remains one of our most safe and effective treatment

strategies for psoriasis care. We conducted a literature review of home phototherapy, BB-UVB, NB-UVB, and PUVA phototherapy

using PubMed, MD Consult, and reference lists. A variety of protocols for BB-UVB, NB-UVB, and PUVA have been used in clinical

trials. NB-UVB is more effective than BB-UVB and safer than PUVA. Typical regimens for NB-UVB involve dosing 3 times per week

for at least 3 months. Treatment must be independently developed to suit each participant's needs. Ultraviolet light is an

effective, relatively safe modality that is a valuable tool in the treatment of psoriasis. NB-UVB phototherapy is considered

the first-line treatment for extensive plaque type psoriasis.

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