Narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy for pityriasis lichenoides: A real-life experience.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Pityriasis lichenoides (PL) is a papulosquamous disease affecting both children and adults, for which narrowband-UVB (NB-UVB) phototherapy is regarded as a commonly used treatment option. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of NB-UVB phototherapy in the management of PL and to compare response rates in pediatric and adult age groups.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This observational, retrospective study included 20 PL patients (12 pityriasis lichenoides chronica; PLC, 8 pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta; PLEVA) who failed to respond to other treatment modalities. The data for this study were collected retrospectively from patient follow-up forms in the phototherapy unit.

RESULTS:

A complete response (CR) was obtained in all pediatric patients with PL, while 53.8% of adult patients had achieved CR. The mean cumulative dose required to achieve the CR was higher in pediatric patients than adult patients with PL (p < .05). The CR was achieved in 6 (75%) of 8 PLEVA patients, while 8 (66.7%) of 12 PLC patients had reached to CR. The mean number of exposures for patients with PLC to achieve a CR was higher than patients with PLEVA (p < .05). Erythema was the most common adverse effect during phototherapy particularly in 5 (35.7%) of the patients with PL who had achieved CR.

CONCLUSIONS:

NB-UVB is an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for PL especially in diffuse types. A higher response can be obtained in children with higher cumulative dose. Patients with PLC may require more exposures for CR than patients with PLEVA.

• Authors: Esra Agaoglu, Hilal Kaya Erdogan, Ersoy Acer, Zeynep Nurhan Saracoglu, Muzaffer Bilgin
• Journal: Photodermatology, photoimmunology & photomedicine (Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed) Vol. 39 Issue 5 Pg. 520-526 (Sep 2023) ISSN: 1600-0781 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 37340660 (Publication Type: Observational Study, Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2023 The Authors. Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Topics

• Adult
• Humans
• Child
• Pityriasis Lichenoides (radiotherapy)
• Retrospective Studies
• Ultraviolet Therapy (adverse effects)
• Phototherapy
• Ultraviolet Rays