The short-term benefit and long-term failure of ultraviolet light in the treatment of venous leg ulcers

Ultraviolet light has in the past been advocated for the treatment of venous leg ulcers on the assumption that it increases skin blood flow and reduces skin hypoxia. Our results show that UV light increases skin-oxygen tension of the lower leg and inhibits the normal vasoconstrictor response on standing. However, this effect is short lived and is followed after 2 days by a return of the vasoconstrictor reflex and a marked decrease in skin oxygenation which continues for at least 2 weeks. Since UV irradiation improves skin oxygenation for only 48 h, it cannot be recommended as a form of treatment for venous leg ulcers.