Combination of Photochemotherapy (PUVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB) in the Treatment of Psoriasis Vulgaris

Nineteen patients with psoriasis vulgaris were treated with a combination of psoralen‐ultraviolet A (PUVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) on the right side of their bodies and with PUVA therapy alone on the left side. Herein is an analysis of the results. There were no significant differences in the mean number of treatments, the mean UVA dose at clearing, or the mean cumulative UVA dose between the PUVA‐UVB side and the PUVA side. However, in 4 cases, the PUVA‐UVB side cleared more rapidly than the PUVA side. Interestingly, patients who received PUVA‐UVB on one side and PUVA on the other required fewer treatments, a lower ultraviolet (UV) dose at clearing, and a lower cumulative UV dose than did patients who were treated with only PUVA monotherapy or UVB monotherapy, following the same protocol. This combined method may be useful in the treatment of chronic psoriatic patients, because of rapid clearing and a marked reduction in the total cumulative UV radiation. However, further follow‐up studies are indicated due to the long‐term side effects of combined UV radiation.