Long-term modified Goeckerman regimen for psoriasis using an ultraviolet B light source in the home.

An ultraviolet B (UVB) unit for the home was built for each of fifty-six people with extensive psoriasis. This light unit is constructed to deliver the most cost-effective radiation while remaining portable, height-adjustable, and free of the necessity to nail or screw the unit to the wall. Six 40-watt fluorescent sunlamps in an open configuration will deliver 150 to 170 mu watts/cm2 to one half of the body at a distance of 30.5 cm (1 minimal erythema dose [MED] = 1-2 min). Fifty-five patients completed a modified Goeckerman program starting at 1-minute exposures, with weekly increases of light by 1 minute until 6 or 8 weeks of treatment had elapsed. All patients were cleared of psoriasis (scalp not included). Fifty-one patients accomplished the clearance program totally in the home. Over 80% of them remain virtually clear as they have maintained a 6- to 8-minute tar-light program two to five times a week. Thirty-seven subjects have used this home UVB unit for over a year. Our results with the modified Goeckerman treatment of psoriasis in the home show that: (1) only six nonenclosed lamps are needed for the economical clearing and maintenance of many psoriatics, and (2) the initial clearing rate using forty-two to sixty suberythemal treatments is outstanding.