Optimizing Narrowband UVB Phototherapy Regimens for Psoriasis

Rebecca L Yanovsky; Kathie P Huang; Elizabeth A Buzney

doi:10.1016/j.det.2019.08.001

Optimizing Narrowband UVB Phototherapy Regimens for Psoriasis

Dermatol Clin. 2020 Jan;38(1):1-10. doi: 10.1016/j.det.2019.08.001. Epub 2019 Oct 18.

Authors

Rebecca L Yanovsky¹, Kathie P Huang², Elizabeth A Buzney³

Affiliations

¹ Tufts University School of Medicine, 145 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02111, USA.
² Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 221 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
³ Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 221 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA. Electronic address: EBuzney@BICS.BWH.harvard.edu.

PMID: 31753182
DOI: 10.1016/j.det.2019.08.001

Abstract

Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune condition characterized by abnormal epidermal hyperproliferation affecting about 3.2% of adults in the United States. Narrowband UVB (NBUVB) is a commonly used phototherapy option for patients with psoriasis and is an effective first-line therapy for generalized plaque psoriasis. This article covers fundamental considerations for physicians using NBUVB and highlights changes in the newest guideline recommendations for phototherapy treatment. Protocols for treatment initiation, maintenance, dose increases, and maintenance are compared and discussed. Readers will achieve a greater understanding of the fundamentals of NBUVB phototherapy and promising advances in the field, including home phototherapy and combination treatment.

Keywords: Narrowband UVB; Phototherapy; Protocol optimization; Psoriasis.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation
Humans
Psoriasis / radiotherapy*
Treatment Outcome
Ultraviolet Therapy / methods*