What is phototherapy?

Electromagnetic spectrum. (Courtesy of Nicole L. Brevik.)
Fig. 55.1 Electromagnetic spectrum. (Courtesy of Nicole L. Brevik.)
Phototherapy is the use of nonionizing electromagnetic radiation (usually in the ultraviolet [UV] range, but also extending into the visible light range) to treat cutaneous disease (Fig. 55-1).
• Broadband UVB (BBUVB): 290 to 320 nm
• Narrowband UVB (NBUVB): 311 nm
• Xenon chloride (excimer) laser: 308 nm
• UVA: 320 to 400 nm
• UVA1: 340 to 400 nm
• PUVA: Psoralen plus UVA light: 320 to 400 nm
• Blue light in Soret band: Approximately 400 to 410 nm
• Pulsed dye laser: 585 to 595 nm
• Intense pulsed light and broadband light: 300 to >2000 nm