Targeted ultraviolet B phototherapy: definition, clinical indications and limitations

Abstract

Targeted ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy is defined as UVB radiation applied only to clinically diseased skin, with sparing of adjacent normal skin, unlike conventional phototherapy, which involves irradiation of both diseased and normal skin. Targeted UVB radiation is a relatively new concept, which is now widely available because of advances in technology. Devices developed for targeted UVB phototherapy of the skin include the monochromatic excimer laser and lamp, both of which are now used by dermatologists in developed and developing countries. The aim of this review is to collate data from research studies on targeted phototherapy and to provide a concise description of currently available devices, their clinical indications and therapeutic efficacy. Additionally, potential adverse effects are summarized, and the limitations of these novel devices are highlighted.

A Review of Localized Office and Home Devices in the Treatment of Psoriasis

“…The major limitation is inconvenience. Phototherapy treatments often require multiple sessions per week (2)(3) and may take months to achieve clearance. 12 For this reason, home treatment devices are popular options as they can reduce office visits.…”

“…Targeted phototherapy provides localized delivery of ultraviolet light to areas of affected skin only, with sparing of clinically normal skin. 3 Patients with mild, localized disease are not ideal candidates for whole body phototherapy and often rely on topical treatments that can be difficult to apply, messy, and less efficacious than phototherapy. 4 Targeted phototherapy for localized psoriasis has many advantages over whole body phototherapy, including higher dosing capabilities, lower cumulative UV dose, less toxicity to uninvolved skin, rapid clearing with fewer treatment sessions, and higher patient satisfaction.…”

“…4 Targeted phototherapy for localized psoriasis has many advantages over whole body phototherapy, including higher dosing capabilities, lower cumulative UV dose, less toxicity to uninvolved skin, rapid clearing with fewer treatment sessions, and higher patient satisfaction. 3,5 Due to the many advantages of targeted phototherapy, it is steadily gaining popularity for the treatment of localized psoriasis, especially in hard-to-treat locations such as genitals, scalp, ears, and mucus membranes. 5,6 Targeted phototherapy is effective for the treatment of psoriasis, either alone or in combination with topical or systemic therapies.…”

“…4 Targeted phototherapy for localized psoriasis has many advantages over whole body phototherapy, including higher dosing capabilities, lower cumulative UV dose, less toxicity to uninvolved skin, rapid clearing with fewer treatment sessions, and higher patient satisfaction. 3,5…”

Optical Design of Porous ZnO/TiO2 Films for Highly Transparent Glasses with Broadband Ultraviolet Protection

“…In general, UVA (315-400 nm in wavelength) induces optical degradation and yellowing of polymers, cracking, blistering of wood, and skin aging by generating reactive oxygen species [1][2][3]. An overexposure to UVB (280-315 nm) causes the skin cancer as the radiation directly damages DNA in skin cells, and it also leads optical degradation and yellowing damage of polymers, pigments, dyes, and semiconductor devices [1,[4][5][6][7]. Relatively, the harmful effects of UVB are more fatal than UVA due to its higher photon energy.…”