A guide to prescribing home phototherapy for patients with psoriasis: the appropriate patient, the type of unit, the treatment regimen, and the potential obstacles.

Abstract

Ultraviolet B phototherapy is underused because of costs and inconvenience. Home phototherapy may alleviate these issues, but training is spotty, and many physicians are not comfortable prescribing home phototherapy. The purpose of this review is to provide a practical guide for recognizing appropriate patients, prescribing, and dealing with potential obstacles for home phototherapy treatment. Current guidelines for treatment of psoriasis were used to describe an appropriate patient for home phototherapy. Current literature and resources from phototherapy providers were reviewed to determine appropriate type of light, unit, treatment regimen, and how to navigate the insurance claim process. Treatment schedules vary based on skin type. Home phototherapy companies provide various units suited for individual situations. Assistance can be used from suppliers to facilitate the process of obtaining a home phototherapy unit and navigating obstacles. Phototherapy treatment varies on an individual basis, so this review serves only as a guide. Home phototherapy is a suitable treatment for many patients for whom office-based phototherapy is not accessible. Home phototherapy companies simplify the process by providing assistance for prescribing home light units.