1 Clinical Trials for Various Conditions
Phototherapy, including ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet A (UVA) light, has been used to treat a number of dermatologic conditions. Psoriasis is one of the most common conditions treated with phototherapy, in which phototherapy is often indicated for extensive disease with contraindications for other systemic treatments. The mechanism of action of phototherapy for the treatment of psoriasis is not completely understood; however, it is known that UVB light induces apoptosis of pathogenic T cells and keratinocytes, which may reduce the overactive immune response and epidermal hyperproliferation. Phototherapy has shown some efficacy for other diseases, such as alopecia areata (AA) and polymorphous light eruption (PMLE). However, phototherapy is not always an accessible treatment option for patients due to cost or lack of time.