Correspondence:
Kenan Aydogan, M.D., Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Uludag, TR-16059 Görükle, Bursa, Turkey.
Tel: +90 224 442 8738
Fax: +90 224 442 9229
e-mail: aydogank@uludag.edu.tr
Copyright Journal compilation © 2008 Blackwell Munksgaard

ABSTRACT

Background/purpose: Narrowband (NB) UVB (NB-UVB) phototherapy has recently demonstrated high levels of efficacy and tolerability in a variety of skin diseases. The purpose of the present study was to assess the efficacy of NB-UVB phototherapy in the management of pityriasis lichenoides (PL).

Methods: The therapeutic response in 31 PL patients (23 pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta; PLEVA, eight pityriasis lichenoides chronica; PLC) treated with NB-UVB phototherapy between 2000 and 2007 was assessed.

Results: NB-UVB treatment led to a complete response (CR) in 15 out of 23 PLEVA patients (65.2%) with a mean cumulative dose of 23 J/cm2 after a mean number of 43.4 exposures and a partial response (PR) in eight patients (34.8%) with a cumulative dose of 15.6 J/cm2 after a mean number of 32.3 exposures. NB-UVB treatment led to CR in seven out of eight PLC patients (87.5%) with a mean cumulative dose of 18.4 J/cm2 after a mean number of 45.8 exposures and PR in one patient (12.5%) with a cumulative dose of 9.1 J/cm2 after a mean number of 19 exposures. Relapses occurred in four PL patients within a mean time period of 6 months.

Conclusion: NB-UVB therapy is an effective, safe and practical alternative treatment modality for the management of PLEVA and PLC.

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