A new study shows that narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy is just as effective for psoriasis in patients over 60 as it is in younger individuals-and may be safer.
Researchers in Thailand reviewed records of 397 patients treated between 2007 and 2021. Of those, 73 were 60 or older. Although elderly patients had more comorbidities and needed more sessions (41 vs. 34), their mean PASI improvement was 64.4% compared to 67.9% in younger patients-a statistically insignificant difference.
Safety results favored the older group, with burning reactions occurring in just 6.8% of elderly patients versus 19.8% in younger patients. The study also found that a lower starting dose (<330 mJ/cm²) was linked to higher remission rates.
Authors conclude that age alone should not preclude phototherapy, and that careful dosing can optimize outcomes in geriatric psoriasis care.