The role of commercial tanning beds and ultraviolet A light in the treatment of psoriasis.
BACKGROUND
Phototherapy is an effective, safe psoriasis treatment administered via office-based units or home devices. There is controversy over the use of commercial tanning beds; ultraviolet B (UVB) has documented efficacy although commercial beds emit largely UVA.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the efficacy of UVA and the role of commercial tanning beds in treating psoriasis.


METHODS
A literature search of UVA and commercial tanning was performed.


RESULTS
UVA can be effective for psoriasis, but achieving the high doses required may not be practical. Tanning beds do emit UVB although amounts are variable. Because of variability in UVA and UVB output in different tanning bulbs, it is difficult to predict response rates using commercial tanning beds.


CONCLUSIONS
UVA can be used to treat psoriasis but may not be practical. Commercial tanning beds, emitting both UVA and UVB, have a role in treating psoriasis as an alternative to office-based therapy.
Su
Johanna
J
Center for Dermatology Research, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1071, USA.
Pearce
Daniel J
DJ
Feldman
Steven R
SR
D006370:Heliotherapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014467:Ultraviolet Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*