Efficacy and safety of narrowband ultraviolet B therapy in moderate to severe atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin disorder with a chronic relapsing course. In troublesome cases of moderate and severe atopic dermatitis, phototherapy can be an effective treatment modality. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of narrowband UVB 311nm as a monotherapy in patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. Patients suffering from moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, diagnosed according to criteria described by Hanifin and Rajka between ages of 6-70 were enrolled in the study. Severity of the disease was assessed by using SCORAD score. UVB irradiation was done thrice a week on alternate days. Efficacy was assessed every two weeks by reduction in modified SCORAD score. The mean cumulative dose of 25.91 J/cm[2] UVB at a wavelength of 31 Inm was given in a mean of duration 5.2 weeks treatment. Therapy reduced the atopic dermatitis scores from mean 32.2 [range 20.2-45.5] to 14.2 range [6.2-12.4]. We conclude that narrowband UVB appears to be a promising treatment for AD, but large patient series, different dosing schedules and long- term safety considerations should be carefully evaluated in the future