A therapist assesses a psoriasis patient for ultraviolet radiation therapy. Which factor requires extra caution?

A therapist assesses a psoriasis patient for ultraviolet radiation therapy. Which factor requires extra caution?

• A. Arthroplasty with a metal implant
• B. Daily tetracycline use
• C. Penicillin allergy
• D. Long-standing calcium supplement use

Answer: (A)

Ultraviolet phototherapy requires careful screening for factors that could amplify tissue damage from light exposure. While drugs that sensitize the skin to light are a known risk, foreign hardware near the treated area introduces a distinct local safety concern. A metal joint replacement can conduct heat and alter how energy is deposited in tissues around the implant. That means the skin and soft tissues over or near the prosthesis are more at risk for overheating or burns during UV exposure, even if the rest of the skin responds normally. In practice, this calls for avoiding direct irradiation over the implant site, adjusting exposure, and closely monitoring the treated area. So the presence of an arthroplasty with metal hardware warrants extra caution during ultraviolet therapy.

Ultraviolet phototherapy requires careful screening for factors that could amplify tissue damage from light exposure. While drugs that sensitize the skin to light are a known risk, foreign hardware near the treated area introduces a distinct local safety concern. A metal joint replacement can conduct heat and alter how energy is deposited in tissues around the implant. That means the skin and soft tissues over or near the prosthesis are more at risk for overheating or burns during UV exposure, even if the rest of the skin responds normally. In practice, this calls for avoiding direct irradiation over the implant site, adjusting exposure, and closely monitoring the treated area.

So the presence of an arthroplasty with metal hardware warrants extra caution during ultraviolet therapy.