Abstract
The concept of phototherapy has undergone a lot of changes in the past 30 years. It started with the emergence of psoralen ultraviolet A (PUVA) for the treatment of psoriasis. The subsequent evolution of Narrow band UVB therapy, Targeted phototherapy, UVA1 therapy, Home phototherapy and the use of LED lamps have revolutionized the treatment of various skin diseases. This article briefly summarizes the advances made in the last few years in the field of phototherapy.Nepal Journal of Dermatology, Venereology & Leprology, Vol.14(1) 2016, pp.5-8
Highlights
Phototherapy (UV-A and UV-B) has become one of the most commonly used modali es of treatment of a variety of skin diseases, the mechanism of ac on have not been fully understood
The therapeu c effect of ultraviolet A1 (UVA1) is related to the fact that its long wavelength penetrates the dermis more deeply than ultraviolet B (UVB)
UVA1 therapy has been shown to be rela vely free of side effects associated with other phototherapy regimens, including erythema and cellular transforma on.[13]
Summary
Phototherapy (UV-A and UV-B) has become one of the most commonly used modali es of treatment of a variety of skin diseases, the mechanism of ac on have not been fully understood. Inhibi on of DNA synthesis by UV radia on is proposed as a mechanism in prolifera ng skin diseases. Phototherapy exerts its therapeu c effect, via a number of mechanisms. Both UVA and UVB affect cytokine produc on of inflammatory cells, reducing the secre on of inflammatory cytokines, and cause apoptosis of lymphocytes.[6]
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