Ultraviolet phototherapy and photochemotherapy of acne vulgaris.

The therapeutic value of various ultraviolet treatments was assessed in patients with moderately severe papulopustular acne. The results did not verify the common belief that ultraviolet radiation is highly beneficial. In no instance was the comedo count appreciably reduced. Modest improvement was observed with sunburn rays (UV-B) and slightly more with the combination of long ultraviolet radiation (UV-A) and UV-B. UV-A alone had the least effect. Photosensitization with coal tar and UV-A greatly aggravated acne and was notably comedogenic. Photosensitization with methoxsalen (8-methoxypsoralen) applied topically was neither harmful nor helpful.