Prospective Randomized Long-Term Study on the Efficacy and Safety of UV-Free Blue Light for Treating Mild Psoriasis Vulgaris

Dermatology. 2015;231(1):24-34. doi: 10.1159/000430495. Epub 2015 Jun 2.

Abstract

Background: Blue light irradiation reduces the proliferation of keratinocytes and modulates T-cell immune response in vitro and has been shown to reduce the severity of psoriasis vulgaris (Pv) in two clinical trials.

Objective: Evaluation of safety and efficacy of long-term UV-free blue light treatment at home for mild Pv.

Methods: Forty-seven patients with mild Pv were randomized for receiving high-intensity blue light treatment (HI: 453 nm LED, 200 mW/cm(2), n = 24) and low-intensity treatment (LI: 453 nm LED, 100 mW/cm(2), n = 23) of one Pv plaque for 12 weeks. A contralateral control plaque remained untreated.

Results: Patient compliance and satisfaction were high. The primary endpoint, change from baseline (CfB) of the Local Psoriasis Severity Index, revealed a significant improvement of the target compared to the control plaques (ΔCfB for the HI group: -0.92 ± 1.10, p = 0.0005; for the LI group: -0.74 ± 1.18, p = 0.0064).

Conclusion: UV-free blue light home treatment is safe and improves Pv plaques.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02004847.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Color Therapy / adverse effects
  • Color Therapy / methods*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperpigmentation / etiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Compliance
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Prospective Studies
  • Psoriasis / therapy*
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Time Factors
  • Young Adult

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT02004847