The anatomical distribution of ultraviolet radiation in photochemotherapy

Abstract

During the past two years there has been a rapid expansion in the treatment of psoriasis by photochemotherapy. The rationale of this form of treatment is the oral or topical administration of the photoactive drug, 8-methoxypsoralen, followed by exposure to high-intensity, long-wave ultraviolet radiation. Since the topology of a human subject does not permit uniform irradiation, the spatial variation of UV does on an inanimate manikin has been investigated using a phenothiazine dosemeter.