UV-B phototherapy. An overview.

• The medical uses of nonionizing electromagnetic radiation have changed over time with light source technology and research in photobiology. Multiple UV light phototherapy protocols have been developed. A discussion of the relative importance of light sources with respect to the action spectrum for psoriasis phototherapy, as well as the need for tar and other adjuvants, is important to the understanding of a comparison between various regimens. A number of skin conditions other than psoriasis are also responsive to UV light phototherapy. ( Arch Dermatol 1984;120:1502-1507)