Phototherapy in Geriatric Patients: Ten Years of Clinical Experience in a Tertiary Dermatology Clinic

Abstract

Background:

Phototherapy is a well-established treatment for various chronic inflammatory dermatoses, yet data on its safety and efficacy in geriatric populations remain limited. Older adults face unique clinical challenges due to age-related physiological changes, comorbidities, and polypharmacy, which may impact treatment responses and tolerance.

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and clinical outcomes of phototherapy in elderly patients treated over a 10-year period at a tertiary dermatology center.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients aged ≥65 years who received ≥8 sessions of phototherapy between 2013 and 2023. Narrowband UVB (NB-UVB), systemic psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA), and localized PUVA therapies were administered using standardized protocols. Diagnosis-specific clinical criteria were used to assess treatment response. Data on adverse events, recurrence, and the need for additional sessions were recorded.

Results:

The study included 149 patients (mean age 70.2 ± 5.0 years; 44.3% female, 55.7% male) with 19 distinct dermatologic diagnoses. The most common indications were psoriasis (24.8%), generalized pruritus (18.1%), mycosis fungoides (11.4%), and lichen planus (6.7%). NB-UVB was used in 85.2% patients, while 10.1% received local PUVA and 4.7% underwent systemic PUVA. Overall, 83.2% of patients demonstrated clinical improvement. The highest treatment durations and cumulative doses were observed in mycosis fungoides (mean 9.3 months, 88.7 J/cm²) and lichen planus (9.5 months, 59.6 J/cm²). Adverse events occurred in 12.8%, predominantly mild erythema and pruritus. Recurrence was noted at 18.1%, and 16.1% required additional sessions. Despite 40.9% of patients using photosensitizing medications, no severe phototoxic reactions were observed.

Conclusions:

Phototherapy is a safe, effective, and well-tolerated treatment option for elderly patients with a variety of dermatologic conditions. The high clinical response rates, even in complex and refractory cases, support its continued use in this population. With its favorable safety profile and non-systemic nature, phototherapy remains a particularly suitable modality in the context of multimorbidity and polypharmacy. Further large-scale, multicenter prospective studies are warranted to establish standardized protocols tailored for geriatric populations.