Abstract: Cutaneous T cell lymphoma(CTCL) are mostly indolent, which slowly progress. The patients usually get a definite diagnosis in the early stage. Topical medication and physical therapy are the mainstays in the treatment of CTCL, including topical corticosteroids, immunosuppressive agents, retinoids, radiation therapy, and phototherapy. In recent years, the efficacy and safety of traditional methods has been further evaluated. Meanwhile, some new strategies of topical medication and physical therapy such as topical tazarotene, topical resiquimod, ultraviolet A plus new photosensitizer, and photodynamic therapy have been employed for CTCL. This article reviewed the research progress of topical medication and physical therapy for CTCL.