Abstract

PHOTOTHERAPY IN PSORIASIS

Satyapal Singh*, J.P. Singh, J.S. Tripathi and N.P. Rai

Abstract

Phototherapy is a kind of therapeutic described for the treatment of various dermatological disorders including psoriasis. Conventional phototherapy uses a whole body cabinet or body part machine such as hand, foot or scalp machines. Targeted phototherapy includes the use of ultraviolet light which can be focused on specific body areas or lesions. Targeted phototherapy includes excimer laser, intense pulse light system (IPL), photodynamic therapy and ultraviolet (UV) light source with a sophisticated delivery system which is easy to be operated by hands. PUVA uses a psoralen derivative in conjunction with long wavelength ultraviolet A (UVA) light (sunlight or artificial) for photo-chemotherapy of various dermatological ailments. Ultraviolet light is an effective and relatively safe modality and is a valuable tool in the treatment of psoriasis. NB-UVB phototherapy is considered the first line treatment for extensive plaque type psoriasis. The present article has discussed a brief review on various common phototherapy modalities which include conventional phototherapy, targeted phototherapy, photo-chemotherapy (PUVA) and photodynamic therapy.

Keywords: Phototherapy, Targeted phototherapy, Psoriasis, PUVA, Photodynamic therapy.