Review TTargetedargeted pphototherapyhototherapy Article VVenkataramenkataram MysoreMysore ABSTRACT Centre for Advanced Phototherapy is one of the most important therapeutic modalities in dermatology. This fi eld has Dermatology, Bangalore, India seen several major advances in the recent years, the most recent being targeted phototherapy. Targeted phototherapy, which includes laser and nonlaser technologies, delivers light/laser AAddressddress forfor ccorrespondence:orrespondence: in the ultraviolet spectrum, of specifi c wavelength, specifi cally targeted at the affected skin Dr. Venkataram Mysore, Venkat Charmalaya - Centre and thereby avoids many of the side effects of conventional phototherapy. The treatment for Advanced Dermatology, has been claimed to be effective, quick, and needing fewer treatment sessions. The article 3437 1st G cross 7 main reviews this new mode of phototherapy. Subbanna Garden, Vijay Nagar, Bangalore – 560 040, Key words: Excimer laser, excimer light, phototherapy, psoriasis, targeted phototherapy, India. E-mail:
[email protected] vitiligo DDOI:OI: 10.4103/0378-6323.48655 PMID: 19293497 IINTRODUCTIONNTRODUCTION etc. These machines have the following disadvantages: 1. Exposure of uninvolved areas Phototherapy is used for a wide variety of skin diseases. 2. Slow delivery system and lengthy treatment There has been considerable progress in cellular sessions and cutaneous photobiology leading to improved 3. Multiple and frequent visits to clinic understanding of different photodermatoses and their 4. Difficulty in treating certain areas (such as treatment. However, the developments in phototherapy genitalia, oral mucosa, ear, etc) have been comparatively slow, as reflected in a recent 5. Difficulty in treating children who may feel publication that “developments in phototherapy have intimidated by the large machines not kept pace with scientific progress, as has been the 6.