Phototherapy and photochemotherapy.
The treatment of skin diseases with ultraviolet radiation represents an important therapeutic modality in clinical dermatology, and the number of skin diseases that improve under the phototherapeutic modalities of today is still growing. While clinical phototherapy was originally based on empirical observations, our present understanding of the underlying mechanisms has improved substantially due to important progress in photobiological science. The better understanding of this scientific basis of treatment allows to both choose the correct phototherapeutic modality and determine the most effective treatment regimen. The aim of this article is to discuss the appropriate indications for phototherapy as well as its safe and effective employment, providing practical help in daily clinical phototherapeutic practice.
Iordanou
Eleni
E
Department of Dermatology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
Berneburg
Mark
M
D006801:Humans; D010778:Photochemotherapy / Q000639:trends*; D010789:Phototherapy / Q000639:trends*; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D014467:Ultraviolet Therapy / Q000379:methods*