Role of photodynamic therapy in psoriasis: a brief review

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a light treatment modality which involves either systemic or local application of a photosensitizing compound, which preferentially deposits in the target cells, and is then followed by selective illumination of the lesion with visible light. The purpose of this study was to review the literature to examine the success, side effects, and different protocols used thus far to treat psoriasis using PDT. METHODS: A thorough review of the literature was performed and analyzed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: After a thorough review of the literature, PDT remains a potential treatment for psoriasis. Clinical improvement has been observed in most studies. The major limiting factor seen in many of the studies was the side effect of pain and burning sensations associated with PDT. This highlights the need for other photosensitizers with better tolerability profiles.