Skin-Softening Rays

Ultraviolet A1 phototherapy provided some benefit to patients with localized scleroderma.

Morphea, or localized scleroderma (LS), is usually treatment resistant. The disease smolders in the reticular dermis under the normal, intact epidermis. Topical medications don't readily penetrate deep enough to do much. Furthermore, once the sclerosis is present, successful treatments must somehow augment resorption of collagen.

High doses of ultraviolet A1 (UVA1; 340–400 nm) radiation are known to decrease the thickness and improve the elasticity of morphea plaques. In Germany, investigators studied UVA1 phototherapy for LS in 30 patients (17 retrospectively and 13 prospectively; age range, 22–78). The retrospective group patients had had UVA1 phototherapy for 6 to 36 months before investigation (mean number of exposures, 19; cumulative UV…

Reviewing Author

Mark V. Dahl, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board Ulthera, Inc.; AuBio LifeSciences, LLC; Paris Therapeutics

Equity Elorac, Inc.; Makucell, Inc.; Paris Therapeutics

Editorial boards UpToDate

Leadership positions in professional societiesNational Rosacea Society (Chairman, Medical Board)