ABSTRACT

Phototherapy is a very commonly used treatment method in dermatology. The most commonly used phototherapy modalities are narrow band UVB, systemic PUVA, topical PUVA and UVA1, which are discussed in detail in this article. General information about each treatment modality, indications, contraindications, specific protocols and precautions are discussed in each section. Furthermore, acute and chronic side effects of phototherapy and their management are touched upon. Combinations therapies are discussed briefly as well.

The most commonly used phototherapy methods are broadband UVB (290-320 nm), narrowband UVB (311-313 nm), PUVA photochemotherapy, UVA1 (340-400nm), excimer laser (308 nm) and extracorporeal photochemotherapy. Narrowband UVB (nbUVB), PUVA and UVA1 will be discussed in this article in detail.