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Updated: Aug 12, 2026
11:39
The Goeckerman Regimen for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Psoriasis
Published on: July 11, 2013
Chronic actinic dermatitis developed during phototherapy for psoriasis
1Department of Dermatology, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan.
Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine
|September 5, 2002
Summary
A patient developed chronic actinic dermatitis (CAD) during phototherapy for psoriasis. This rare condition caused extreme photosensitivity, requiring alternative treatments like cyclosporine and corticosteroids.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Photobiology
- Immunodermatology
Background:
- Psoriasis vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory skin condition.
- Phototherapy, including PUVA (psoralen plus UVA) and UVB, is a common treatment for psoriasis.
- Maintenance phototherapy aims to sustain remission after initial treatment.
Observation:
- A patient undergoing maintenance phototherapy for psoriasis developed sudden photosensitivity and an eczematous eruption.
- Minimal response doses to UVB and UVA were significantly reduced, indicating extreme photosensitivity.
- No external photosensitizing agents were identified.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with chronic actinic dermatitis (CAD), a rare form of photosensitivity.
- Standard PUVA therapy was not feasible due to the inability to administer adequate UVA doses.
- Combined treatment with oral cyclosporine, topical corticosteroids, and sunscreen proved effective for both psoriasis and CAD.
Implications:
- This case highlights a previously unreported complication of phototherapy: the development of CAD.
- It underscores the importance of recognizing and managing unusual reactions to phototherapy.
- The successful management with systemic and topical agents offers a therapeutic approach for similar cases.
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