Abstract
Phototherapy involves repeated exposure of the skin to ultraviolet light to treat various inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis. Recent studies have identified specific immunologic effects of phototherapy that may underlie phototherapy efficacy. Furthermore, recent advancements have been made in developing safe and effective targeted phototherapy modalities for difficult-to-treat areas such as scalp psoriasis. Targeted phototherapy in the form of the excimer laser holds potential for more aggressive, effective treatment and long-lasting remission of psoriasis. Phototherapy is now also used successfully with biologic agents as combination therapy to treat recalcitrant psoriasis. Therefore, though one of the oldest therapeutic modalities for psoriasis, phototherapy remains a mainstay treatment with promise for further advancement.
Highlights
Phototherapy involves repeated exposure of the skin to ultraviolet (UV) light to treat various inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and vitiligo
Recent studies have delineated specific immunologic mediators that are affected by UV light
Such findings may lead to identification of targets for future psoriasis therapies
Summary
Phototherapy involves repeated exposure of the skin to ultraviolet (UV) light to treat various inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and vitiligo. Various portable and lightweight handheld phototherapy units have become available for the treatment of localized psoriasis in the office and at home (Table 1)[22,23] These handheld devices, as compared with full-body irradiance in a booth or by a panel, have the added benefit of limiting skin exposure to UV light. A study by Bagel et al evaluated the combination of adalimumab and NB-UVB42, and another study, by Wolf et al, evaluated adalimumab and the excimer laser[43] Both studies demonstrated that phototherapy significantly accelerates therapeutic response and improves the clearance of psoriatic lesions in patients who received adalimumab treatment. Long-term studies do not currently exist, no skin cancers were reported throughout the duration of the above-mentioned trials
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
