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Ultraviolet Light in Human Health, Diseases and Environment pp 287–294Cite as

Phototherapy of Psoriasis, a Chronic Inflammatory Skin Disease

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Part of the book series: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology ((AEMB,volume 996))

Abstract

Phototherapy is an effective treatment modality for several skin diseases which has been in use from the era of the Egyptians. Insight into its mode of action has gradually accumulated over the past decades. A crucial biological effect of ultraviolet radiation is the induction of apoptosis in T lymphocytes and in keratinocytes in the epidermis. Via this mechanism inflammation-induced pathological changes characteristic of psoriasis are counteracted.

Phototherapy remains the only therapeutic option for certain patient groups where modification of the systemic immune reactions is contraindicated, such as by HIV, internal malignancy or pregnancy. UVB treatment is highly cost-effective, which is important in this age of increasing health care costs.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands

    Emőke Rácz M.D., Ph.D.

  2. Department of Dermatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands

    Errol P. Prens M.D., Ph.D.

Authors
  1. Emőke Rácz M.D., Ph.D.
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  2. Errol P. Prens M.D., Ph.D.
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Errol P. Prens M.D., Ph.D. .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom

    Shamim I. Ahmad

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Rácz, E., Prens, E.P. (2017). Phototherapy of Psoriasis, a Chronic Inflammatory Skin Disease. In: Ahmad, S. (eds) Ultraviolet Light in Human Health, Diseases and Environment. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 996. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-56017-5_24

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