Phototherapy: An Indian perceptive

Abstract

The importance of sunlight has been recognized since long. Ultraviolet light which comprises a small proportion of sunlight is therapeutically useful. Phototherapy is the use of ultraviolet irradiation with or without exogenous photosensitizer. It can be administered as photochemotherapy, Broadband UVB and narrowband UVB therapy, Excimer laser, UVA1 phototherapy and photodyanamic therapy. In India, photochemotherapy and narrowband UVB therapy are widely used for treatment of various dermatological problems. This article discusses the treatment protocols and the various modalities of treatment by phototherapy.

Keywords

• <i>Phototherapy
• PUVA
• UVB </i>