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Provocation testing in polymorphic light eruption using fluorescent ultraviolet (UV) A and UVB lamps
1Department of Dermatology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK.
The British Journal of Dermatology
|November 16, 2004
Summary
Provocation testing for polymorphic light eruption (PLE) using fluorescent ultraviolet (UV) lamps is effective. Combining broadband UVA and narrowband UVB lamp testing significantly increases diagnostic accuracy for suspected PLE.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Photobiology
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Polymorphic light eruption (PLE) diagnosis often involves provocation testing.
- Current photoprovocation techniques for PLE lack standardization across medical centers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness of various fluorescent ultraviolet (UV) radiation lamps for PLE provocation testing.
- To compare diagnostic yields of different UV lamp types in suspected PLE cases.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 68 patients with suspected PLE undergoing phototesting.
- Provocation testing involved sequential forearm skin irradiation with broadband UVA, narrowband UVB, and broadband UVB lamps over three days.
Main Results:
- Positive papular responses were observed in 56% with broadband UVA and 50% with narrowband UVB.
- Combined UVA and narrowband UVB testing yielded a positive diagnosis in 80.9% of patients.
- Broadband UVB alone showed limited diagnostic utility, with positive responses only in patients also reactive to UVA or narrowband UVB.
Conclusions:
- Fluorescent UVA and UVB lamps offer a cost-effective and accessible method for diagnosing suspected PLE.
- Employing both broadband UVA and narrowband UVB lamps enhances diagnostic confirmation compared to using a single lamp type.