Phototherapy has long been used for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases, such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. The most frequent treatment approach utilizes ultraviolet (UV) light, however, recently, different lasers and low-level light therapies (LLLT) emitting wavelengths in the spectrum of the visible light have also been tried for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases with variable success.

The objective of a recent study published in Expert Review of Clinical Immunology was to provide an update on the different forms of phototherapy used for the treatment of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.

The review encompassed proposed mechanism of action of the different phototherapeutical approaches – including the immunosuppressive effect of UV light; the anti-inflammatory effect of vascular lasers; and the LLLT induced photobiomodulation.

From the findings, it was inferred that based on the efficacy and safety, NB-UVB represents the gold standard for treating psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. The UVB excimer laser and excimer lamp might be the best option for clearing localized therapy-resistant lesions. Moreover, home UV phototherapy systems may promote treatment adherence and better compliance of the patients. On the other hand, vascular lasers, IPLs and LLLTcan currently not be recommended for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases because of the lack of well-controlled studies.

Source: Expert Review of Clinical Immunology. 2019 Nov;15(11):1205-1214. doi: 10.1080/1744666X.2020.1672537. Epub 2019 Oct 1.