Retinoids and Phototherapy for Psoriasis
August 2009
in “
The Journal of Rheumatology Supplement
”
TLDR Retinoids and narrowband UVB phototherapy are effective for treating psoriasis and can reduce treatment time when used together.
The document from 2009 discussed the effectiveness of retinoids, particularly acitretin, and narrowband ultraviolet B (nbUVB) phototherapy in treating psoriasis. Acitretin, with a shorter half-life than etretinate, is used in combination therapies for various psoriasis types but requires contraception in women due to teratogenic effects. NbUVB is effective for guttate and plaque-type psoriasis by damaging DNA and generating reactive oxygen species, leading to normalized keratinocyte cell kinetics. The ReUVB regimen, combining oral retinoids and nbUVB, reduces treatment time and dosage, potentially decreasing the risk of skin cancer from long-term UVB exposure. Retinoids and nbUVB are considered valuable, especially when other systemic treatments are not suitable.
