Targeted phototherapy of plaque-type psoriasis using ultraviolet B-light-emitting diodes

Abstract

Summary Background One of the major technological breakthroughs in the last decade is represented by the diversified medical applications of light‐emitting diodes (LEDs). LEDs emitting in the ultraviolet (UV) B spectrum might serve as a more convenient alternative for targeted delivery of phototherapy in inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis. Objectives We investigated the efficacy and safety of a new UVB‐LED phototherapeutic device in chronic plaque‐type psoriasis. Methods Twenty patients with stable plaque‐type psoriasis were enrolled into a prospective, right‐left comparative, open study. Symmetrical lesions located on extremities or trunk were chosen; one lesion was treated with the study device, whereas the other lesion served as an untreated control. Two treatment regimens were used in the study, one with an aggressive dose escalation similar to those used for outpatient treatment and one with slow increase in dose, similar to those used for treatment at home. Results Patients in both groups responded rapidly to the UVB‐LED therapy. Early disease resolution was observed in 11 patients (seven in the first group and four in the second group). Overall improvement at end of therapy was 93% in the high‐dose group and 84% in the low‐dose group. Four patients from the high‐dose group and five from the low‐dose group were still in remission at the 6‐month follow‐up visit. Conclusions These results suggest that this innovative UVB‐LED device is effective in the treatment of localized psoriasis and may be useful in other UV‐responsive skin diseases.

Effect of heterostructure design on carrier injection and emission characteristics of 295 nm light emitting diodes

“…INTRODUCTION AlGaN based ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diodes (LEDs) are of great interest for numerous applications, e.g., gas sensing, 1 water purification, 2 and phototherapy. 3,4 Depending on the application, the emission wavelength and emission power are crucial. However, the external quantum efficiency (EQE) of UV LEDs decreases severely at shorter wavelength.…”

Targeted ultraviolet B phototherapy: definition, clinical indications and limitations

“…It can be delivered to the skin over a limited area (localized phototherapy) or to the whole body (generalized phototherapy) A range of devices is now available for targeted phototherapy, a method by which irradiation is delivered to diseased skin only, with sparing of clinically normal skin. Targeted phototherapy devices include very high fluence devices such as the monochromatic excimer laser and flashlamp, and very low output devices such as UVB light‐emitting diodes (UVB‐LED) . The US Food and Drug Administration have approved the excimer laser for the treatment of psoriasis, vitiligo and atopic dermatitis …”

Ultraviolet B (UVB) Phototherapy in the Treatment of Vitiligo

“…In addition, it can be used for patients with phobia of the light box or phototherapy unit, and may be more tolerable for children (Lapidoth, Adatto et al, 2007). However, the excimer laser is currently limited to outpatient use, which requires frequent clinic visits over a short time duration, which can lead to low patient compliance (Kemeny, Csoma et al, 2010).…”