Ultraviolet A1 phototherapy: a British Photodermatology Group workshop report

A. C. Kerr, J. Ferguson, S. K. Attili, P. E. Beattie, A. J. Coleman, R. S. Dawe, B. Eberlein, V. Goulden, S. H. Ibbotson, H. du P. Menage, H. Moseley, L. Novakovic, S. L. Walker, J. A. Woods, A. R. Young, R. P. E. Sarkany

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    45 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Whole-body ultraviolet (UV)A1 (340400 nm) phototherapy was first introduced 30 years ago, but is currently available in the UK in only three dermatology departments. A workshop to discuss UVA1 was held by the British Photodermatology Group in May 2009, the aim of which was to provide an overview of UVA1 phototherapy and its role in practice, and to identify areas in which further studies are required. The conclusions were that UVA1 phototherapy is an effective treatment in several inflammatory skin diseases, including localized scleroderma and atopic eczema (AE); however, deficiencies and limitations exist in the published evidence base. For most diseases, such as AE, other treatments also exist, which are generally more effective than UVA1. However, for some diseases, particularly morphoea, the evidence of efficacy is stronger for UVA1 than for other treatments. Acute adverse effects of UVA1 are minimal. The risk of long-term adverse effects, particularly skin cancer, is unknown. Medium to high doses of UVA1 are needed for efficacy in most situations, but the equipment to deliver such doses is large, expensive and difficult to install. UVA1 is currently underprovided, and the recommendation of the workshop is that more tertiary centres should have access to UVA1 phototherapy in the UK.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)219-226
    Number of pages8
    JournalClinical and Experimental Dermatology
    Volume37
    Issue number3
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2012

    Keywords

    • Skin Diseases
    • Ultraviolet Therapy
    • Humans
    • Health Services Accessibility
    • Great Britain

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