UVA1 phototherapy in the treatment of palmoplantar pustulosis: a pilot prospective study

Palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) is recalcitrant to traditional topical and systemic therapies. Ultraviolet A1 (UVA1) phototherapy, a new therapeutic approach, has recently been shown good efficacy in the treatment of PPP. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of UVA1 therapy for the treatment of PPP. Patients with PPP were treated with UVA1 irradiation three times a week for up to 30 sessions and had a 3-month follow-up visit. UVA1 therapy was conducted with a fixed dose (80 J/cm²). Clinical evaluation was based on the Palmoplantar Pustular Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PPPASI) score. Totally, 62 patients completed the study. The mean PPPASI score decreased from a baseline value of 9.4 ± 2.8 to a value of 4.9 ± 2.4 at 15 sessions, 1.7 ± 1.9 at 30 sessions, and 2.0 ± 2.1 at follow-up visit. A reduction of 75 % in the PPPASI score was observed in 4 (6.5 %) patients at 15 sessions and 45 (72.6 %) patients at 30 sessions. The adverse effects were limited including burning sensation, pruritus, and hyperpigmentation. UVA1 is an effective therapy for PPP with mild side effects.