title: Comparative efficacy of narrow-band ultraviolet B phototherapy alone and its combination with topical 8-methoxypsoralen in psoriasis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Very few studies using the combination of topical 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) and narrow-band ultraviolet B (NBUVB) have been performed, especially in Indian patients. A combination of oral psoralen with NBUVB has been shown to have a superior efficacy as compared with NBUVB alone in psoriasis.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Comparison of the efficacy of topical psoralen NBUVB (combination) versus NBUVB alone in psoriasis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty patients with plaque psoriasis were taken up for the study and NBUVB phototherapy was given twice weekly. The target lesions on one side were treated with 0.1% topical 8-MOP 15 min before the irradiation. The treatment period was 12 weeks or 24 exposures.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The number of treatment sessions and cumulative NBUVB doses were lower in the combination therapy as compared with NBUVB monotherapy, although the differences were not statistically significant.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  To conclude, topical 8-MOP enhances the therapeutic effects of NBUVB therapy without increasing the incidence of adverse effects.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, Pt. B. D. Sharma University of Health Sciences, Rohtak, Haryana, India. dr_vkjain2002@yahoo.co.in
authors.forename: V K
authors.initials: VK
authors.lastname: Jain
authors.forename: Shobhna
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Jangra
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Aggarwal
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008730:Methoxsalen / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010789:Phototherapy / Q000379:methods; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014467:Ultraviolet Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D008730:Methoxsalen