The Patient’s Guide to Psoriasis Treatment. Part 1: UVB Phototherapy

BACKGROUND Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated disease that affects 2-3% of the world population. Ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy is an effective treatment for psoriasis compared to other systemic treatments. Currently there is a lack of easily accessible online patient educational material regarding this form of treatment. OBJECTIVE To present a freely available online guide and video on UVB treatment that is informative to patients and increases the success and compliance of patients starting this therapy. METHODS The UVB treatment protocol used at the University of California-San Francisco Psoriasis and Skin Treatment Center as well as available information from the literature was reviewed to design a comprehensive guide for patients receiving UVB treatment. RESULTS We created a printable guide and video resource that reviews the fundamentals of UV light, UVB safety considerations, flow of treatment, side effects, and post-phototherapy skin care. CONCLUSION This guide serves as a valuable resource for patients preparing for UVB phototherapy, the clinicians who treat them, and trainees wishing to learn more about this form of therapy.