Phototherapy

Abstract

Phototherapy has been used to treat a large variety of dermatoses since the past century. It is classified according to the type of irradiation (UVA or UVB). Phototherapy is indicated for all types of inflammatory and chronic skin diseases, such as vitiligo, psoriasis, parapsoriasis, cutaneous T-cell lymphomas and chronic eczemas, with good therapeutic results. It can be used as monotherapy or associated with others drugs, such as retinoids, methotrexate and cyclosporine, aiming to reduce length of treatment and doses. Like other treatments, phototherapy has some limitations - it requires specific equipment, patient's compliance, has restricted indications and leads to cumulative UV doses. The therapy must be performed with strict follow-up to obtain effective therapeutic response and few adverse effects. ©2006 by Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia.