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Long-term modified Goeckerman regimen for psoriasis using an ultraviolet B light source in the home
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
|May 1, 1981
Summary
A home ultraviolet B (UVB) unit effectively cleared extensive psoriasis in 56 patients. Most maintained clear skin with a portable, cost-effective UVB light therapy program at home.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Phototherapy
Background:
- Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition requiring effective treatment.
- Home-based phototherapy offers a convenient alternative to clinical settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a novel, portable home ultraviolet B (UVB) unit for psoriasis treatment.
- To assess the long-term maintenance of clear skin using a home-based UVB program.
Main Methods:
- Fifty-six patients with extensive psoriasis used a custom-built, portable UVB unit at home.
- Patients underwent a modified Goeckerman regimen with escalating UVB exposure durations over 6-8 weeks.
- Treatment involved six 40-watt fluorescent sunlamps delivering 150-170 μW/cm² at 30.5 cm.
Main Results:
- All 55 participating patients achieved complete psoriasis clearance (excluding the scalp) within the home setting.
- Over 80% of patients maintained clear skin with a 6-8 minute UVB program 2-5 times weekly.
- Thirty-seven patients used the home UVB unit for over a year, demonstrating sustained efficacy.
Conclusions:
- A cost-effective, non-enclosed home UVB unit with six lamps is sufficient for clearing and maintaining psoriasis.
- The modified Goeckerman treatment using 42-60 suberythemal exposures achieves outstanding initial clearance rates.