Patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have a high
prevalence of UV radiation-responsive skin diseases including psoriasi
s, pruritus, eosinophilic folliculitis and eczemas. On the other hand,
UV has been shown to suppress T cell-mediated immune responses and to
induce activation and replication of HIV. These developments have pro
mpted clinicians and investigators to question,whether phototherapy is
safe for HIV-infected individuals. We have reviewed these issues and
hereby provide a summary and critique of relevant laboratory and clini
cal evidence.