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Phototherapy for psoriasis
1Division of Special and Environmental Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, University of Vienna Medical School, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria. herbert.hoenigsmann@akh-wien.ac.at
Clinical and Experimental Dermatology
|June 26, 2001
Summary
This review examines ultraviolet (UV) phototherapy and psoralen photochemotherapy (PUVA) for psoriasis treatment. Both methods use controlled UV light to manage skin disease, with PUVA showing more detailed validation.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Photomedicine
Background:
- Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition requiring effective treatment.
- Phototherapy is a cornerstone of psoriasis management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current practices of UV phototherapy and PUVA for psoriasis.
- To compare the established roles and validation of these phototherapeutic modalities.
Main Methods:
- Review of current phototherapy practices for psoriasis.
- Analysis of ultraviolet (UV) radiation without sensitizers.
- Evaluation of psoralen photochemotherapy (PUVA) protocols.
Main Results:
- Both UV phototherapy and PUVA are established treatments for psoriasis.
- UVB phototherapy has a longer history of use.
- PUVA has undergone more detailed and coordinated evaluation and validation.
Conclusions:
- Phototherapy, including UV and PUVA, remains a key therapeutic option for psoriasis.
- Controlled UV exposures aim to induce disease remission.
- Further research may refine PUVA's application due to its validation.