AUTHOR=Gambichler Thilo , Schmitz Lutz 

TITLE=Ultraviolet A1 Phototherapy for Fibrosing Conditions

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Medicine

VOLUME=Volume 5 - 2018

YEAR=2018

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2018.00237

DOI=10.3389/fmed.2018.00237

ISSN=2296-858X

ABSTRACT=Ultraviolet A1 (UV-A1) phototherapy is a specific phototherapeutic modality characterized by a selective UV spectrum ranging from 340 nm to 400 nm. UV-A1 includes distinct modes of action qualifying this method for therapy of a variety of conditions, in particular fibrosing skin diseases. Concerning efficacy UV-A1 phototherapy in fibrosing conditions, the best evidence obtained from randomised controlled trials exists for localized scleroderma. Moreover, fibrosing disorders such as systemic sclerosis, lichen sclerosus, and graft-versus-host disease can be treated successfully by means of UV-A1. Regarding the optimal dosage regimen medium-dose UV-A1 seems to be linked to the best benefit/risk ratio. Possible acute adverse events of UV-A1 phototherapy include erythema and provocation of photodermatoses. Skin ageing and skin cancer formation belong to the chronic adverse events that may occur after long-term UV-A1 phototherapy.