Assessment of the Role of Dermoscope for Monitoring Patients with Chronic Plaque Psoriasis Before and After Narrowband Ultraviolet B Phototherapy

Abstract

soriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with a prevalence of about 2% worldwide. The classical clinical manifestations are sharply demarcated, erythematous, pruritic plaques covered in silvery scales. The plaques can coalesce and cover large areas of skin. Common locations include the trunk, the extensor surfaces of the limbs, and the scalp. On microscopic examination psoriasis has a distinctive histological representation. However, diagnosis is mainly made clinically as clinical presentation is usually highly characteristic. Therefore a skin biopsy to confirm diagnosis is frequently omitted. Established treatment options for psoriasis include topical application of corticosteroids and vitamin D3 analogues, psoralen plus ultraviolet (UV) phototherapy (PUVA), UVB phototherapy and systemic therapy. Choice of treatment is affected by body surface area, severity of lesions, efficacy and side‐effects of therapeutic options, comorbidities and convenience for the patient. Narrowband UVB phototherapy (NBUVB, 311–313 nm) is an established treatment option for psoriasis. M