Phototherapy in Skin of Color

Olivia R Ware; Jonathan Guiyab; Ginette A Okoye

doi:10.1016/j.det.2019.08.006

Phototherapy in Skin of Color

Dermatol Clin. 2020 Jan;38(1):63-69. doi: 10.1016/j.det.2019.08.006. Epub 2019 Oct 18.

Authors

Olivia R Ware¹, Jonathan Guiyab², Ginette A Okoye³

Affiliations

¹ Howard University College of Medicine, 2041 Georgia Avenue Northwest, Towers Building, Suite 4300, Washington, DC 20060, USA. Electronic address: olivia.ware@bison.howard.edu.
² Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 601 North Caroline Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
³ Department of Dermatology, Howard University Hospital, 2041 Georgia Avenue Northwest, Towers Building, Suite 4300, Washington, DC 20060, USA.

PMID: 31753193
DOI: 10.1016/j.det.2019.08.006

Abstract

Phototherapy in skin of color requires special consideration. Pigmented skin is an efficient ultraviolet filter. Hence, higher doses of ultraviolet radiation are generally more effective and well tolerated in skin of color. An objective and practical system has not yet been established to determine optimal phototherapy dosing in skin of color. The authors recommend obtaining a detailed history of each individual patient's response to sun exposure before prescribing a phototherapy dosing regimen. In addition, providers should consider the role of socioeconomic factors and their impact on phototherapy-related outcomes, including barriers to access and compliance.

Keywords: Ethnic skin; NBUVB; PUVA; Phototherapy; Skin of color; Ultraviolet radiation.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Humans
Phototherapy / methods*
Pigmentation Disorders / therapy*
Skin Pigmentation*