Ozturk, Gunseli2019-10-272019-10-2720101019-214X1308-62941019-214X1308-6294https://doi.org/10.4274/turkderm.44.s86https://hdl.handle.net/11454/45294Phototherapy (PUVA ye UVB) is a widely used and effective treatment method for a variety of dermatological diseases. Adverse effects associated with phototherapy can be classified as acute and chronic side effects. Acute side effects are mostly related with UV doses and drug intolerance, and include itching, nausea, erythema, edema and phototoxic reactions that sometimes blister formation is seen. Acute side effects are usually moderate and transient. Chronic side effects of phototherapy are early aging of skin, pigmentary changes and increased risk of skin carcinogenesis. The major concern is development of skin cancer. This risk is especially related to long-term exposure and high cumulative doses of PUVA, increase in time and is persistent. Therefore, risk/advantage ratio of phototherapy should be carefully evaluated in each patient, and treatment protocols with minimal UV exposure should be chosen according to the phototherapy guides. Follow-up of the patients for long terms is important in prevention or in reduction of this risk by detecting and treating any premalignant or malignant lesion early. In this article, acute and chronic side effects of phototherapy are reviewed with recent literature findings.tr10.4274/turkderm.44.s86info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccessPhotochemotherapyUVB phototherapyside effectsArticle448690WOS:000209333700005N/A