Consensus conference: acitretin in combination with UVB or PUVA in the treatment of psoriasis.

Although adjunctive treatment with retinoids in concert with either psoralen-ultraviolet A (PUVA) or ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy has been a treatment option for chronic, moderate to severe plaque psoriasis for nearly two decades, acitretin-UV therapy is an underutilized therapeutic modality. According to a recent member survey by the National Psoriasis Foundation, many psoriasis patients are frustrated with available treatment options, which they perceive as ineffective, inconvenient, and/or excessively conservative. Treatment of psoriasis with acitretin in concert with UVB or PUVA is emerging as a viable clinical strategy. Compared with either acitretin or UV light monotherapy alone, the combination regimen enhances efficacy and limits treatment frequency, duration, and cumulative doses. These effects translate into care that is more effective, better tolerated, more convenient, less costly, and, perhaps, safer during long-term treatment than phototherapy alone. Drawing from an extensive literature search and the expertise of its participants, this consensus conference advances clinical recommendations as well as "clinical pearls" for health providers who treat patients with chronic, moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and suggests avenues for future research.

UVB therapy: dermatology nursing considerations.

Each patient responds uniquely to phototherapy treatment. Not every patient can tolerate daily treatment. Different areas of the body require different amounts of light in order to clear. Precise documentation of erythema is important for both treatment and legal reasons. A negative response to UVB therapy can be from either ineffective treatment or an adverse reaction to UVB.

Staff responsibilities for phototherapy administration.

Caring for the phototherapy patient is a multifaceted role; however, the primary nursing responsibility is quality patient education. The opportunities to implement this responsibility are as endless as the disease itself.

Phototherapy equipment.

Treating patients with phototherapy is like dosing patients with medication. The purpose of this continuing education article is to describe various phototherapy equipment and how to conduct safe and efficacious therapy.

Basic principles of photobiology and photochemistry for nurse phototherapists and phototechnicians.

Phototherapy administration requires a team approach to be safe and effective. Implementing the treatment plan requires the knowledge, skills, and expertise of the entire health care team. Understanding the relationship between natural light, artificial light sources, administration of phototherapy, and the short and long-term consequences of the therapy can enhance the experience for the patient and provide an increase in employment satisfaction for the therapist.