Published on February 23, 2024

Contraindications to Ultraviolet Phototherapy

An evidence-based analysis on “Ultraviolet phototherapy management of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis” (Medical Advisory Secretariat, 2009) noted that there are a range of contraindications for UVB phototherapy and for PUVA. Both treatments have contraindications including any history of light sensitivity disorders (i.e., lupus erythematosus, porphyria, cutanea tarda, xeroderma pigmentosum etc.), melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, aphakia, and/or basal cell carcinoma. The safety for PUVA has also not been established in pregnancy, nursing mothers, or children. There are also contraindications for patients with significant hepatic impairment and for those taking warfarin or phenytoin.

An UpToDate review on “UVB therapy (broadband and narrowband)” (Honigsmann, 2019) lists lupus erythematosus and xeroderma pigmentosum as absolute contraindications as well as history of photosensitivity diseases (e.g., chronic actinic dermatitis, solar urticaria), history of melanoma, history of nonmelanoma skin cancer, history of treatment with arsenic or ionizing radiation because of the increased risk for skin cancer, and immunosuppression for organ transplant patients as relative contraindications.

References

  • https://www.aetna.com/cpb/medical/data/200_299/0205.html
  • Medical Advisory Secretariat. Ultraviolet phototherapy management of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. An evidence-based analysis. Ont Health Technol Assess Ser. 2009;9(27):1-66.
  • Honigsmann H. UVB therapy (broadband and narrowband). UpToDate [online serial]. Waltham, MA: UpToDate; reviewed November 2019; December 2021; June 2023.
  • KERNEL CN-308C 308nm Excimer Targeted Phototherapy Treatment
    () reviews
    KERNEL CN-308C 308nm Excimer Targeted Phototherapy Treatment
    $6149
    Buy one click
  • KERNEL CN-308D 308nm Excimer Targeted Phototherapy Treatment
    () reviews
    KERNEL CN-308D 308nm Excimer Targeted Phototherapy Treatment
    $6299
    Buy one click
  • KERNEL CN-308E 308nm Excimer Targeted Phototherapy Treatment
    () reviews
    KERNEL CN-308E 308nm Excimer Targeted Phototherapy Treatment
    $6499
    Buy one click
  • KERNEL CN-308P5 Series Mini 308nm UV Phototherapy Lamp
    () reviews
    KERNEL CN-308P5 Series Mini 308nm UV Phototherapy Lamp
    $729
    Buy one click
  • KERNEL CN-308P4 Series Mini 308nm UV Phototherapy Lamp
    () reviews
    KERNEL CN-308P4 Series Mini 308nm UV Phototherapy Lamp
    $699
    Buy one click
  • KERNEL CN-308P3 Series Mini 308nm UV Phototherapy Lamp
    () reviews
    KERNEL CN-308P3 Series Mini 308nm UV Phototherapy Lamp
    $549
    Buy one click
  • KERNEL CN-308P2 Series Mini 308nm UV Phototherapy Lamp
    () reviews
    KERNEL CN-308P2 Series Mini 308nm UV Phototherapy Lamp
    $479
    Buy one click
  • KERNEL CN-308P1 Series Mini 308nm UV Phototherapy Lamp
    () reviews
    KERNEL CN-308P1 Series Mini 308nm UV Phototherapy Lamp
    $399
    Buy one click
  • Kernel KN-4002B2 UVB Phototherapy Lamp
    () reviews
    Kernel KN-4002B2 UVB Phototherapy Lamp
    $7120
    Buy one click
  • KERNEL KN-4006BL 311nm UVB Light Phototherapy Device
    () reviews
    KERNEL KN-4006BL 311nm UVB Light Phototherapy Device
    $569
    Buy one click