Optimum wavelength characteristics for phototherapy utilizing deep ultraviolet light-emitting diodes

In the early 1980s, 313-nm wavelength was reported to have potential efficacy for treating psoriasis [1,2]. A fluorescent lamp emitting selective ultraviolet B (UVB) light ranging from 311 to 313  nm was developed for narrowband UVB therapy and widely used to treat various skin diseases, such as psoriasis, vitiligo, atopic dermatitis, and mycosis fungoides [3–5]. Narrowband UVB lamps contain mercury, however, and thus have a large environmental burden. In the early 2000s, targeted photot herapy devices using a xenon-chloride excimer laser or lamp emitting 308 nm as a mercury-free light source were developed to treat localized lesions without unnecessary exposure of the unaffected skin to UV light [6], but these devices are costly and therefore not suitable for treating large areas .
Source: Journal of Dermatological Science - Category: Dermatology Authors: Tags: Letter to the Editor Source Type: research