Abstract
BACKGROUND: Complications of psoriasis may add to the burden of degenerative diseases already present in elderly patients. Phototherapy is a well-established treatment for psoriasis, and narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) is currently the first-line phototherapy for psoriasis. Its use in elderly has been assessed and is found to be safe and efficacious for many dermatoses. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To learn the efficacy and safety of NB-UVB phototherapy in geriatric patients with psoriasis in Indonesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study using data from medical records of psoriasis patients aged ≥60 who received NB-UVB phototherapy at the dermatovenereology outpatient clinic of Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital in 2014-2020. The data were processed using SPSS version 25, and descriptive analysis was conducted. RESULTS: From 30 patients, 75% reduction of Psoriasis Area and Severity Index was accomplished by 14 patients (47%) after a median of 21 sessions and a median cumulative dose of 25.7 J/cm2. The side effects were experienced by nine patients (30%), comprising pain, burn, and itch. No patient experienced more than two episodes of erythema during their treatment. Most side effects are mild and do not require discontinuation of therapy. CONCLUSIONS: NB-UVB phototherapy is safe and effective for geriatric patients with psoriasis.