Table 1 Overview of the different phototherapeutic strategies within the main groups of sclerotic connective tissue diseases. [Categories: A – double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled; B – open, randomised; C – open, non-randomized; D – case series; E – case report]

Systemic sclerosis

UVA

-

-

requires evaluation

UVA1^28–31

low-/medium-dose

E, C

benefit, especially suited for acrosclerosis and partial body exposure

PUVA^18,32–34

medium-dose

E, D

bath application in childhood discussed

Localized scleroderma

UVA^36,37

low-dose

C

benefit, no further evaluation

UVA1^38–45

low-/medium-/high-dose

D, C

no exact recommendation in favor to best dosage, benefit, combination with calcipotriol where appropriate, successful in childhood/adolescence

PUVA^{19,32,34,46–51}

high-dose

E, D

questionable efficacy, extreme variance in dosage, combination (cream) with calcipotriol in childhood

Extragenital lichen sclerosus et atrophicus

UVA

-

-

requires evaluation

UVA1^40,56–58

low-dose

E, D, C

effectiveness, disputable in combined morphea/lichen sclerosis et atrophicus

PUVA^59,60

low-dose

E

benefit, careful cream therapy for genitoanal lesions where appropriate

Sclerodermoid graft- vs-host disease

UVA

-

-

requires evaluation

UVA1^62–64

low-/medium-dose

E, D

partial efficacy, medium-dose possibly more effective than low-dose, combined UV/immunosuppressive therapy

PUVA^65–71

medium-dose

E, D, C

skeptical effectiveness, potentially adjunct therapy in addition to conventional chemotherapy, more effective in lichenoid than sclerodermoid lesions

Lupus erythematosus

UVA

-

-

requires evaluation

UVA1^73–78

low-dose

D, C, A

benefit in occasional cases, long-term application

PUVA

-

-

requires evaluation