S1‐Guidelines on UV phototherapy and photochemotherapy

Abstract

Known in part since antiquity, the salutary effects of sunlight again garnered increasing attention in the second half of the 19(th) century. The development of a device for ultraviolet irradiation of cutaneous tuberculosis by Finnsen at the onset of the twentieth century truly marked the beginning of modern phototherapy. In dermatology, treatment methods almost exclusively use wavelengths below the visible light range (ultraviolet light). Since the early 1970s, increasingly powerful artificial light sources have become available for UVB and UVA therapy as well as the combination of UVA and photosensitizers (photochemotherapy). High structural and procedural quality standards are an essential prerequisite for the implementation of effective as well as safe phototherapy. The following guidelines outline the current consensus of leading experts in the field of phototherapy with respect to indications, contraindications, and side effects of various treatment options available. Particular focus is also on adequate UV doses at the beginning and over the further course of treatment as well as on management of side effects.

Serum levels of folate, 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 and cobalamin during UVB phototherapy: findings in a large prospective trial

“…26 Dose increments of 10-20% were performed at each visit in the absence of treatment-induced erythema up to a maximum exposure dose of 3.0 J/cm 2 . The irradiance was measured with an integrated radiometer and was on average 10.5 mW/ cm 2 .…”

Is there still a role for UV therapy in itch treatment?

“…Since the early days of phototherapy, the spectrum of dermatoses and skin conditions that have successfully been treated with various UV light wavelengths has significantly increased . The introduction of PUVA therapy, in which the photosensitizer psoralen is orally or topically applied before the skin is irradiated with UVA (PUVA = Psoralen + UVA), has revolutionized the treatment of plaque‐type and erythrodermatic psoriasis .…”

Photosensitivity associated with dutasteride therapy

“…Assessment of the individual MED prior to nb-UVB phototherapy is useful to identify patients with photosensitivity due to systemic drugs [3,4]. In the present case, this procedure was essential to reveal systemic photosensitivity in a patient diagnosed with disseminated eczema, and afterwards to confirm the diagnosis with a phototest [5].…”