Other: Phototherapy and Photochemotherapy

Question 4

Which form of UV radiation is usually first line in phototherapy?

Answer 4

UVB

Question 5

When is PUVA used in phototherapy?

Answer 5

Used where UVB has proved ineffective or where disease relapses quickly

PUVA is first line for some conditions e.g. pustular psoriasis, erthrodermic psoriasis

Question 6

What is the purpose of the Minimal Erythema Dose (MED) test before starting a patient on UVB therapy?

Answer 6

Ensures a safe starting dose for treatment and excludes any abnormal reaction to light

Question 7

Why are all patients having oral PUVA required to wear UVA protective glasses for 12 hours after treatment?

Answer 7

Due to the increased risk of cataract formation immediately following therapy

Question 8

What is the purpose of the Minimal Phototoxic Dose (MPD) test before starting a patient on PUVA therapy?

Answer 8

Ensures a safe starting dose for treatment, excludes any abnormal reaction to light and ensures an adequate dose of psoralen is present in the system to allow the PUVA to be effective

Question 9

Why do UVB patients need at least one treatment free day?

Answer 9

Erythema peaks 12-24 hours after exposure so at least one treatment free day is needed to assess the erythema response

Question 10

Why do PUVA patients require at least two treatment-free days?

Answer 10

Erythema peaks 96 hours after exposure so at least 2 full treatment-free days are needed to assess erythema response

Question 11

Which form of phototherapy radiation penetrates further into the skin?

Answer 11

UVA (UVA1 penetrates deeper than PUVA)

Question 12

What is a Psoracomb device?

Answer 12

Handheld device for localised NB-UVB treatment at home, mostly used to treat scalp psoriasis