Effects of phototherapy on pruritus and erythema in atopic dermatitis.

Abstract

Exacerbation of dermatitis associated with erythema is caused by intractable itch-evoked scratching. It is wellknown that phototherapy improves dermatitis following pruritus. We previously demonstrated that psoralen ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy normalizes the density of intraepidermal nerve fibers and epidermal expression of opioid systems, and improves pruritus in atopic dermatitis (AD). However, the effect of phototherapy on erythema in AD are unclear. Erythema is caused by neovascularization and vasodilation, and nerve fibers and infiltrated cells are related to its development. Phototherapy might be effective in reducing redness associated with anti-intraepidermal nerve fiber density and induction of apoptosis in infiltrated cells.Skin Research, Suppl. 18: 13-16, 2012