A Practical Approach to Home UVB Phototherapy for the Treatment of Generalized Psoriasis

Ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy is a safe and effective treatment for moderate to severe psoriasis. UVB treatment typically requires patients to visit an outpatient clinic two to three times per week during business hours, a schedule which can be impractical for some individuals. Depending on a patient's insurance coverage, outpatient phototherapy can be expensive. In these situations, home UVB phototherapy may be an additional therapeutic option. Previous studies have shown this treatment to be well tolerated, efficacious, and economical. This paper reviews the basics of choosing the ideal patient for home UVB phototherapy and how best to educate these patients in order to minimize adverse events in the home setting. In addition, current phototherapy equipment is reviewed and differences in cost and design between available machines is provided.