Photochemotherapy for Psoriasis

Abstract
• Photochemotherapy for psoriasis combining orally administered methoxsalen and long-wave ultraviolet (UVA) light was used in 186 patients with severe psoriasis. Several different phototherapy units with various numbers of GE high-output black lights were used. Excellent (90% to 100% clear) and good (80% to 90% clear) results were obtained in 77% of the patients. The average UVA dose at clearing was between 7 and 8 joules/sq cm. The majority of patients required one weekly maintenance UVA dose of their last clearing dose (joules per square centimeter) to remain clear. Side effects and abnormal laboratory findings were minimal. (Arch Dermatol 113:1667-1670, 1977)