Abstract
Psoriasis is a major inflammatory disorder in the dermatological field. Phototherapy is effective and safe for psoriasis vulgaris. Narrow-band ultraviolet (UV) B and psoralen plus UVA are known to be the common modality as conventional non-targeted phototherapy. Non-targeted phototherapy making unnecessary irradiation to the unaffected skin may cause long-term adverse effects of UV. Targeted phototherapies with advantages, for example, higher dosages for lesional skin, a rapid clearing and longer remission rates, have been developed. Targeted phototherapies are preferably used for childhood, palmoplantar psoriasis, scalp and nail psoriasis as well as refractory lesions remained after whole-body UV therapy. Light sources of targeted phototherapy include broad-band UVB, narrow-band UVB, 308-nm excimer laser and light, 307-nm excimer light and 312-nm flat-type fluorescent lamp. This comprehensive review focuses recent evolution of target phototherapy for the treatment of psosriasis.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
The author has no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending or royalties.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.
Key issues
• Various modalities are performed for psoriasis vulgaris.
• Phototherapy is effective and safe treatment for psoriasis vulgaris.
• Conventional non-targeted phototherapy makes unnecessary irradiation to the unaffected skin.
• Targeted phototherapy can have higher dosages for lesional skin, a rapid clearing and longer remission rates.
• Targeted phototherapy is used for childhood, palmoplantar psoriasis, scalp and nail psoriasis.
• Refractory lesion remained after whole-body ultraviolet therapy is also good indication for targeted phototherapy.
• Various hand-held devices have been developed recently.
• Dosimetry, frequency of sessions and maintenance therapy will improve.
• Local side effects of short- and long-term exposures are warranted.
• Hand-held devices may by used for home therapy of psoriasis vulgaris.