Abstract
We performed broadband UVB therapy with low dose/low frequency irradiation in addition to ordinary therapies with topical corticosteroids and oral antihistamines in seven patients with severe/chronic atopic dermatitis. Whole-body phototherapy was administered bi-weekly for 20 exposures (10 months). The initial dose was 30-40% MED or 0.02J/cm2 in those in whom MED could not be measured because of widespread erythema. The dose was increased by 0.01J/cm2 if no efficacy was observed after three irradiation sessions. The maximum dose was limited to 50% MED or 0.04J/cm2. Disease activity (sum of scores at six body sites), proportion of body area affected, eosinophil counts, and serum IgE levels decreased significantly after 10 treatments. The improved condition was continued over the 20-treatment period. Topical corticosteroids were also withdrawn during UVB irradiation therapy. Lichenification of the skin, however, was not improved by the UVB therapy. Broadband UVB therapy with the regimen described herein is an effective adjunctive treatment for severe/chronic atopic dermatitis although the efficacy for improvement of lichenification is not sufficient. Furthermore, the long-term efficacy of UVB therapy with this regimen, the need for hospital attendance as seldom as once every two weeks, and the fact that this therapy can be performed at institutions even where narrowband UVB equipment is not available are advantages for patients with atopic dermatitis.
