J. Ferguson

311 nm UVB phototherapy—an effective treatment for psoriasis

Fifty two psoriatic patients were treated with a new experimental fluorescent lamp (Philips TL‐01) emitting a narrow band at 311 ± 2 nm (UVB) which had the advantage of a reduction in burning and carcinogenic wavelengths when compared with conventional broad band UVB therapy. Results of the ‘311’ treated group when compared with broad band UVB therapy revealed a similar percentage of patients achieving a satisfactory response with fewer burning episodes and an increase in duration of remission.

Topical 5-aminolaevulinic acid photodynamic therapy for cutaneous lesions: outcome and comparison of light sources

Background: Topical 5‐aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) photodynamic therapy (PDT) is increasingly used for superficial non‐melanoma skin cancers and their precursors.

The photocarcinogenic risk of narrowband UVB (TL-01) phototherapy: early follow-up data.

Backgroundu2002 Limited information is available on the carcinogenic risk associated with narrowband TL‐01 UVB phototherapy in humans.

The relationship between exposure to fragrance materials and persistent light reaction in the photosensitivity dermatitis with actinic reticuloid syndrome

Contact allergic sensitivity to allergens such as plants of the Compositae family is a feature of the chronic skin reaction seen in the photosensitivity dermatitis with actinic reticuloid syndrome. In fifty patients with this syndrome an increased incidence of contact allergic sensitivity to some common fragrance materials was demonstrated. Evidence is also presented, both by in vitro and in vivo studies, which indicates that a phototoxic mechanism is involved. The relevance of continued exposure to common allergens and their involvement in photosensitization mechanisms is discussed in an attempt to explain the state of ‘persistent light reaction.’

A randomized, observer‐blinded trial of twice vs. three times weekly narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy for chronic plaque psoriasis

Summary Backgroundu2003The optimum treatment frequency for narrowband (TL‐01) ultraviolet B (NB‐UVB) in psoriasis is not yet known. We have previously found three times weekly to be preferable to five times weekly treatment in our population.

A study of benoxaprofen-induced photosensitivity

A study of the abnormal sunlight response seen in nine patients taking benoxaprofen showed that the action spectrum was between 310 and 325 nm, which is similar to the drugs absorption spectrum. In vitro studies using three separate methods indicated that benoxaprofen has a powerful phototoxic action which may be directed mainly against cellular membranes.

Ciprofloxacin-induced photosensitivity : in vitro and in vivo studies

Ciprofloxacin is one of the new series of broad‐spectrum antibiotic quinolones, chemically related to nalidixic acid and which may, therefore, induce photosensitization of human skin. Three in vitro tests for phototoxicity: the destruction of histidine, killing of mouse peritoneal macrophages and inhibition of PHA‐stimulated DNA synthesis in human lymphocytes have demonstrated this photosensitizing potential with UVA irradiation at an order of magnitude lower than that for nalidixic acid. The Candida albicans test and photohaemolysis were negative. Controlled irradiation monochromator phototesting of 12 subjects, before, during and after taking ciprofloxacin showed subclinical photosensitivity with significantly lowered minimal 24 h erythema doses at 335±30 nm, 365±30 nm and 400±30nm but not at 305±5 nm or above 400±30 nm.

A randomized controlled trial of narrowband ultraviolet B vs bath-psoralen plus ultraviolet A photochemotherapy for psoriasis.

Summary Backgroundu2003 In 1991, consensus guidelines recommended psoralen plus ultraviolet A photochemotherapy (PUVA) for those requiring second‐line therapy for psoriasis. Narrowband (TL‐01) UVB has since become more widely available, replacing the less effective broadband sources.

Treatment of superficial cutaneous vascular lesions: experience with the KTP 532 nm laser

Whilst most facial telangiectasias respond well to short-pulse-duration pulsed dye laser therapy, studies have shown that for the treatment of larger vessels these short-duration pulses are sub-optimal. Long-pulse frequency-doubled neodymium:YAG lasers have been introduced with pulse durations ranging from 1–50xa0ms and treatment beam diameters of up to 4xa0mm. We report the results of KTP/532xa0nm laser treatment for superficial vascular skin lesions. The aim was to determine the efficacy of the KTP/532xa0nm laser in the treatment of superficial cutaneous vascular lesions at a regional dermatology centre in a 2xa0year retrospective analysis. Patients were referred from general dermatology clinics to a purpose-built laser facility. A test dose was performed at the initial consultation and thereafter patients were reviewed and treated at 6xa0week intervals. Outcome was graded into five classifications by the patient and operator independently based on photographic records: clear, marked improvement, partial response, poor response, and no change or worsening. Over the 2xa0year period, 204 patients with 246 diagnoses were treated [156 female; median age 41 (range 1–74) years; Fitzpatrick skin types I–III]. Equal numbers of spider angioma (102) and facial telangiectasia (102) were treated. Of those patients who completed treatment and follow up, 57/58 (98%) of spider angiomas and 44/49 (90%) of facial telangiectasia markedly improved or cleared. Satisfactory treatment outcomes, with one clearance and two partial responses, occurred in three of five patients with port-wine stain. Few patients experienced adverse effects: two declined further treatment due to pain, and a small area of minimal superficial scarring developed in one case. Two patients developed mild persistent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and one subject experienced an episode of acute facial erythema, swelling and blistering after one treatment. The KTP/532xa0nm frequency-doubled neodymium:YAG laser is a safe and effective treatment for common superficial cutaneous vascular lesions in patients with Fitzpatrick skin typesxa0I–III.

An appraisal of narrowband (TL-01) UVB phototherapy. British Photodermatology Group Workshop Report (April 1996)

In Europe, ultraviolet (UV) B phototherapy is being increasingly used for the treatment of skin disease. While this is in part due to an increased awareness of the cancer risks of photochemotherapy (PUVA)̂ there is also evidence that a new UVB phototherapy source (TL-01) is more effective than conventional broadband UVB sources, and is possibly as effective as PUVA. A working party of the British Photodermatology Group met to discuss whether the available evidence supports such statements. The major conclusions are presented.