Phototherapy in dermatological maladies (Review)

Branisteanu,Daciana Elena; Dirzu,Diana Stefania; Toader,Mihaela Paula; Branisteanu,Daniel Constantin; Nicolescu,Alin Codrut; Brihan,Ilarie; Bogdanici,Camelia Margareta; Branisteanu,George; Dimitriu,Andreea; Anton,Nicoleta; Porumb,Elena Andrese

doi:10.3892/etm.2022.11184

Phototherapy in dermatological maladies (Review)

Authors:
- Daciana Elena Branisteanu
- Diana Stefania Dirzu
- Mihaela Paula Toader
- Daniel Constantin Branisteanu
- Alin Codrut Nicolescu
- Ilarie Brihan
- Camelia Margareta Bogdanici
- George Branisteanu
- Andreea Dimitriu
- Nicoleta Anton
- Elena Andrese Porumb
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Affiliations: Department of Dermatology, ‘Grigore T. Popa’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania, Department of Dermatology, Railway Clinical Hospital, 700506 Iasi, Romania, Department of Oral Dermatology, ‘Grigore T. Popa’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania, Department of Ophthalmology, ‘Grigore T. Popa’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania, Department of Dermatology, ‘Roma’ Medical Center for Diagnosis and Treatment, 011773 Bucharest, Romania, Dermatology Department, Dermatology Clinic, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania, Faculty of Medicine, ‘Grigore T. Popa’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania, Department of Dermatology, ‘Arcadia’ Hospitals and Medical Centers, 700620 Iasi, Romania
Published online on: February 3, 2022 https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2022.11184
Article Number: 259
Copyright: © Branisteanu et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.

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Abstract

Since the introduction of modern phototherapy in 1903 by Nobel Prize‑winner Niels Ryberg Finsen, the usage of this therapy in the medical field has grown, techniques have been refined and developed, and it has gained widespread acceptance. Psoriasis vulgaris, parapsoriasis, lichen planus, atopic dermatitis, neonatal jaundice, urticaria, morphea, vitiligo, granuloma annulare and cutaneous T cell lymphoma are only a few dermatological indications that come along with satisfactory results. Most often, it is a 2nd or 3rd line therapy being an alternative in more severe or refractory diseases. Despite the side effects that may occur after phototherapy, which are often minor, the benefits can be significant. Unfortunately, the absolute contraindications limit the use of this type of treatment and implicitly the management of these patients. The current review aimed to combine the recommendations of phototherapy in dermatology, the types of phototherapy that can be suitable for certain dermatological diseases and to emphasize its importance in certain conditions that are associated with significant remission rates.

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