Phototherapy and photochemotherapy for psoriasis

Abstract

Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory and immunomediated systemic disease which negatively affects a broad range of people worldwide. Phototherapy represents the anchientest and most commonly used treatment for psoriasis patients. Existing data from literature, related to the five main modalities of phototherapy adopted for therapeutic management of psoriasis (PUVA, heliotherapy, broadband UVB, narrowband UVB, and excimer laser and lamp) have been revised. Authors provide an updated and comprehensive overview of phototherapy for psoriasis to help physicians optimizing their choice of modality and dosing regimen to ensure optimal outcomes for patients. Phototherapy still remains a cornerstone in the management of psoriasis, as its efficacy is well established, its financial cost reasonable, and it is readily compatible with other treatments.