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Phototherapy and photochemotherapy: an update
1Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery
|December 22, 1999
Summary
Phototherapy and photochemotherapy offer treatments for over 40 skin diseases. Broadband ultraviolet B (UVB) and oral psoralen photochemotherapy (PUVA) are common, with growing interest in topical PUVA and future potential for narrow-band UVB and UVA-1 phototherapy.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Photomedicine
Background:
- Phototherapy and photochemotherapy are established treatments for numerous skin conditions.
- Several modalities are currently available, with varying levels of accessibility and application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of the available phototherapy and photochemotherapy options.
- To highlight the current landscape and future directions in skin disease treatment using light-based therapies.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing phototherapy and photochemotherapy techniques.
- Discussion of broadband ultraviolet B (UVB), oral psoralen photochemotherapy (PUVA), topical PUVA, narrow-band UVB, and UVA-1 phototherapy.
Main Results:
- Broadband UVB and oral PUVA are the most widely utilized treatments.
- There is increasing clinical interest in topical PUVA therapy.
- Narrow-band UVB and UVA-1 phototherapy represent emerging options with future therapeutic potential.
Conclusions:
- A diverse range of phototherapy and photochemotherapy options exist for treating over 40 skin diseases.
- The field is evolving with established methods and promising new advancements.