Treatment of Childhood Psoriasis with Phototherapy and Photochemotherapy

Abstract

Phototherapy and photochemotherapy are well-described treatment modalities for psoriasis in adults. Like many other treatments, the experience and long-term safety of their use in children is limited. We conducted a literature search and identified publications reporting the use of phototherapy and photochemotherapy in pediatric populations. This article summarizes the existing literature on this topic. Although many studies report good improvement with these treatment modalities, long-term safety data on their use is lacking for pediatric patients.

Pediatric psoriasis: Evolving perspectives

“…The decision to implement more aggressive treatment may not be easy, and there are often several barriers to overcome. Phototherapy, particularly narrowband ultraviolet B (NB‐UVB), is widely used, safe, effective first‐line treatment for pediatric psoriasis and works particularly well for diffuse guttate and thin‐plaque psoriasis …”

“…64 and thin-plaque psoriasis. [70][71][72] Broadband UVB and psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) are also viable phototherapy options for selected children but have fallen out of favor given the safety and utility of NB-UVB. 73 Phototherapy requires two to three office visits per week, a time commitment that is often prohibitive for school-aged children and caregivers.…”

Efficacy, safety and drug survival of conventional agents in pediatric psoriasis: A multicenter, cohort study

“…Pediatric psoriasis is a relatively common disorder with a prevalence of 0.71%, representing nearly 4% of all dermatoses in patients younger than 16 years of age. 1,2 Treating childhood psoriasis is a challenge. As controlled studies supporting a high level of evidence are lacking, currently available systemic treatment modalities are being used on the basis of studies showing their efficacy or clinical experience with them.…”

“…As controlled studies supporting a high level of evidence are lacking, currently available systemic treatment modalities are being used on the basis of studies showing their efficacy or clinical experience with them. 1,[3][4][5][6] Likewise, long-term safety of therapeutic options in the pediatric population is unknown.…”

Prevalence of obesity in paediatric psoriasis and its impact on disease severity and progression

“…Paediatric psoriasis is a relatively common disorder found in nearly 4% of all dermatoses in patients younger than 16 years of age . Several studies have provided compelling evidence on an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome in adult patients with psoriasis .…”