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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
11:39
The Goeckerman Regimen for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Psoriasis
Published on: July 11, 2013
Home Phototherapy for Psoriasis: Evidence and Implementation
Dina Ghanim1, Leah E Thomas2, Dahyeon Kim2
1Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, Pasadena, California, USA.
Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine
|August 1, 2026
Summary
Home phototherapy using narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) is effective for psoriasis, offering high patient satisfaction and cost savings. Further research is needed on long-term safety, equity, and device regulation to establish it as a standard care option.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Phototherapy
- Public Health
Background:
- Home phototherapy for psoriasis shows comparable efficacy to in-office treatments.
- Limited adoption is attributed to implementation challenges, patient selection issues, and safety concerns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current evidence on home phototherapy for psoriasis.
- To identify and address gaps in implementation, safety, and equity.
- To provide clinical guidance for home phototherapy adoption.
Main Methods:
- A narrative review of studies published between January 2020 and March 2026.
- Included randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and cost analyses.
- Findings were interpreted based on study design without formal risk-of-bias assessment.
Main Results:
- Home narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy is non-inferior to office-based care for plaque and guttate psoriasis.
- High patient satisfaction, improved adherence, and reduced indirect costs were observed.
- Erythema was the most common side effect, rarely causing treatment discontinuation; long-term safety data are limited.
Conclusions:
- Home phototherapy is a safe, effective, and cost-effective option for selected psoriasis patients.
- Key gaps include long-term safety data, equity in access, and risks associated with over-the-counter devices.
- Addressing these gaps requires further research, equitable implementation strategies, and regulatory oversight.
