Ultraviolet phototherapy for cutaneous diseases: a concise review

Abstract

Phototherapy is the use of non‐ionizing radiation, primarily in the ultraviolet spectrum, to treat disease. In dermatology, ultraviolet (UV) phototherapy remains an established, lower cost, and often preferred option for many common skin conditions, despite the introduction of newer potent biologics. This article introduces a principal therapeutic modality in the treatment of psoriasis, atopic dermatitis (eczema), vitiligo, and morphea among other diseases where oral manifestations may be present, providing basic information about the use of UVA, UVB, and PUVA. Practical considerations and side effects of phototherapy are described. Phototherapy is an effective treatment for many illnesses and carries a relatively benign side‐effect profile.

Light‐Triggered Cancer Cell Specific Targeting and Liposomal Drug Delivery in a Zebrafish Xenograft Model

“…To some extent, these concerns relate to the poor tissue penetration of UV light (≈100–200 µm). As a result, the clinical use of UV light is restricted to the topical treatment of cosmetic skin disorders, including psoriasis, acne, and eczema 49. However, these limitations are increasingly being overcome, as fundamental advances in fiber optic19 and wireless LED technologies20,21 facilitate the localized delivery of UV light deep within patients.…”

“…As a result, the clinical use of UV light is restricted to the topical treatment of cosmetic skin disorders, including psoriasis, acne, and eczema. [49] However, these limitations are increasingly being overcome, as fundamental advances in fiber optic [19] and wireless LED technologies [20,21] facilitate the localized delivery of UV light deep within patients. Alternatively, extended exposure to UV light is known to pose a significant health risk, with the potential to cause DNA damage, cytotoxicity, and cancer.…”

Clinical and Therapeutic Trial for the Efficacy of Narrow Band - UVB Phototherapy versus Systemic Therapy in Moderate and Severe Atopic Dermatitis of the Adult

“…The effects of the UV-A radiation are mainly pigmentogene effects, erythematous manifestations occuring in approximatively 1000 x higher dose than the UV-B radiation. UV-B radiation therapies are used as monotherapy or in multiple combinations with local agents used for more than a half century with documented results, particularly in psoriasis, vitiligo and some chronic dermatoses [6]. The adverse effects can be divided into short-term effects such as sunburn, induced hyperkeratosis and pigmentogenesis, and long-term effects like the induction and development of skin cancers and photodermatoses [7].…”

Pilot study of the feasibility of a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled localized area ultraviolet phototherapy trial methodology

“…Localized ultraviolet (UV) phototherapy is an effective treatment for many inflammatory dermatoses . Localized UV treatment modalities include excimer lasers, excimer non‐laser devices, and non‐excimer devices .…”