title: Recent advances in phototherapy for psoriasis.
abstract: Phototherapy involves repeated exposure of the skin to ultraviolet light to treat various inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis. Recent studies have identified specific immunologic effects of phototherapy that may underlie phototherapy efficacy. Furthermore, recent advancements have been made in developing safe and effective targeted phototherapy modalities for difficult-to-treat areas such as scalp psoriasis. Targeted phototherapy in the form of the excimer laser holds potential for more aggressive, effective treatment and long-lasting remission of psoriasis. Phototherapy is now also used successfully with biologic agents as combination therapy to treat recalcitrant psoriasis. Therefore, though one of the oldest therapeutic modalities for psoriasis, phototherapy remains a mainstay treatment with promise for further advancement.
authors: Department of Dermatology, University of California San Francisco Psoriasis and Skin Treatment Center, San Francisco, California, USA.
authors: Mio
authors: M
authors: Nakamura
authors: University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont, USA.
authors: Benjamin
authors: B
authors: Farahnik
authors: Department of Dermatology, University of California San Francisco Psoriasis and Skin Treatment Center, San Francisco, California, USA.
authors: Tina
authors: T
authors: Bhutani
keywords: Phototherapy; Psoriasis; UV; ultraviolet