An assessment of potential problems of home phototherapy treatment of psoriasis.

Very little has been reported about how patients use home ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy. A survey of thirty-one patients who were prescribed a home UVB phototherapy unit to treat psoriasis was performed as a pilot study of home UVB phototherapy usage; twenty-two patients responded. Generally, respondents reported home UVB phototherapy to be very helpful for their psoriasis. We conclude that home UVB is an effective and appropriate treatment for many patients with psoriasis, but screening and education of candidates for home UVB phototherapy is important to ensure compliance with the treatment program.