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 UVlight, 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.