Narrow-band UV-B phototherapy: an effective and reliable treatment alternative for extensive and recurrent pityriasis versicolor.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

In the previous studies, positive effect of sunlight on seborrheic dermatitis may well be explained by the direct influence of UV-light on the yeasts. Narrow-band ultraviolet-B phototherapy appears to be a very effective and safe treatment option for patients with severe seborrheic dermatitis. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of narrow-band ultraviolet-B phototherapy as an alternative treatment for pityriasis versicolor.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

A total of 38 patients diagnosed with disseminated pityriasis versicolor having more than four relapsing episodes within 12 months were treated with narrow-band ultraviolet-B phototherapy given three times weekly. Clinical assessment on the basis of the severity of pruritus, erythema/hyperpigmentation and scaling and mycological examination were made at Weeks 0, 4, 8, 12 and 16.

RESULTS:

Of the remaining 30 patients, 20 (66.7%) achieved excellent results and four patients (14%) had mild residual disease. The decrease in the clinical scores calculated at 4th week, 8th week, 12th week and 16th week were statistically significant.

CONCLUSION:

Narrow-band ultraviolet-B presumably may have an immunomodulatory and inhibitory effect on Malassezia growth. Narrowband ultraviolet-B is an effective and safe alternative tool for the management of extensive and recurrent pityriasis versicolor for patients who are unresponsive to conventional treatments.

• Authors: Ali Balevi, Pelin Üstüner, Sümeyye A Kakşi, Mustafa Özdemir
• Journal: The Journal of dermatological treatment (J Dermatolog Treat) Vol. 29 Issue 3 Pg. 252-255 (May 2018) ISSN: 1471-1753 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 28984153 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Erythema (pathology)
• Female
• Humans
• Hyperpigmentation (pathology)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Pruritus (pathology)
• Recurrence
• Severity of Illness Index
• Tinea Versicolor (diagnosis, radiotherapy)
• Treatment Outcome
• Ultraviolet Rays
• Ultraviolet Therapy
• Young Adult