Management of Phototherapy Side Effects

Management of Phototherapy Side Effects

Management of Phototherapy Side Effects

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Acute Effects - Fiery Flare-ups

  • Exaggerated, painful erythema resembling severe sunburn, occurring after phototherapy.
  • Cause: Typically due to excessive UV dose, incorrect dosimetry, equipment malfunction, or concomitant photosensitizing medication.
  • Onset: Usually within 2-12 hours post-exposure, peaking at ~24 hours.
  • Management:
    • Immediately discontinue phototherapy.
    • Apply cool compresses and bland emollients liberally.
    • Prescribe topical corticosteroids (mild-to-moderate potency, e.g., hydrocortisone 1% cream).
    • Oral NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) for pain and inflammation.
    • Antihistamines for pruritus if present.
    • Re-evaluate treatment protocol: verify dosimetry, patient factors. Restart at a significantly reduced dose (e.g., ↓ by 25-50% or revert to a previously well-tolerated dose) once resolved.
  • Prevention: Accurate Minimal Erythema Dose (MED) testing, gradual dose increments, patient education on reporting early signs (tingling, burning).

⭐ Fiery flare-ups are phototoxic reactions (Type A adverse effect), which are dose-dependent and predictable, unlike photoallergic reactions that are immune-mediated and less common with standard phototherapy protocols.

Chronic Risks - Lasting Light Marks

  • Photoaging: Wrinkles, solar elastosis, dryness, telangiectasias, lentigines ("age spots"). More pronounced with PUVA than NBUVB.
  • Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer (NMSC):
    • SCC risk > BCC.
    • Factors: ↑ cumulative UV dose (PUVA > NBUVB), Fitzpatrick types I-II, prior skin cancer, immunosuppression.
    • Genital SCC (PUVA, inadequate shielding).

    ⭐ PUVA therapy significantly increases SCC risk, particularly with >200-250 treatments or high cumulative UVA doses (>1000-1500 J/cm²).

  • Melanoma: Controversial; slight ↑ risk with high cumulative PUVA doses. NBUVB considered safer.
  • PUVA Lentigines: Persistent, freckle-like hyperpigmented macules.
  • Cataracts (PUVA): Due to psoralen; strict eye protection (during & 24h post-ingestion). PUVA lentigines and photoaging envejecimiento cutaneo por puva

Modality Specifics - PUVA's Punch

  • PUVA: Psoralen (oral/topical) + UVA. Oral 8-MOP taken 1.5-2 hrs pre-UVA.
  • Acute Effects:
    • Nausea/Vomiting: Common, dose-related. Manage: antiemetics, take with food/milk.
    • Phototoxic Erythema ("PUVA burn"): Delayed onset, peaks 48-72 hrs. Careful dosimetry vital.
    • Pruritus: Can be intense.
  • Chronic Effects (Cumulative Dose-Dependent):
    • Photoaging: Lentigines, xerosis, premature wrinkling.
    • ↑ Skin Cancer Risk: SCC > BCC, especially genital SCC.

      ⭐ Cumulative PUVA dose > 1000-2000 J/cm² significantly increases SCC risk.

    • Cataracts: Mandatory UV-protective eyewear for 24 hrs post-psoralen ingestion.
  • 📌 PUVA's Chronic Punch: Photoaging, UV-induced Cancers, Visual (Cataracts), Accumulated dose is key.

Proactive Protection - Dodge The Damage

  • Patient Counselling:
    • Inform about acute (erythema, pruritus, blistering) & chronic risks (photoaging, NMSC).
    • Emphasize strict adherence to treatment schedule & safety protocols.
    • Instruct on prompt reporting of adverse effects.
  • In-Session Shielding:
    • Eyes: UV-opaque goggles (mandatory).
    • Genitals: Essential (especially males).
    • Face/Unaffected areas: Shield if not being treated.
  • Post-Exposure Care:
    • Emollients: Apply liberally for dryness/pruritus.
    • Sunscreen: Broad-spectrum SPF >30; vital post-PUVA (for 24-48h).
    • Sun avoidance: Advise protective clothing. ⭐ > Patients on long-term PUVA therapy have a significantly increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC); regular dermatological surveillance is paramount.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Erythema & pruritus: commonest acute effects. Manage: emollients, topical steroids, antihistamines, dose adjustment.
  • Herpes simplex reactivation: consider prophylactic antivirals if history positive.
  • Carcinogenesis: PUVA ↑ SCC risk; NB-UVB has lower NMSC risk. Regular skin surveillance vital.
  • PUVA-specific: Nausea (psoralen with food), hepatotoxicity (monitor LFTs), cataracts (UV eye protection mandatory).
  • Severe reactions (e.g., blistering): stop phototherapy. Chronic: photoaging (advise sun protection).

Practice Questions: Management of Phototherapy Side Effects

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Peau d’orange appearance is due to -

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UVB has a _____ skin cancer risk than PUVA

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UVB has a _____ skin cancer risk than PUVA

lesser::Lesser/Greater

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