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Ultraviolet light hardening in polymorphous light eruption--a controlled study comparing different emission spectra.
B U Rücker1, M Häberle, H U Koch
1Department of Dermatology, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany.
Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine
|April 1, 1991
Summary
UV phototherapy effectively hardened skin in polymorphous light eruption (PLE) patients, reducing sun sensitivity. This treatment increased histidine and urocanic acid in the skin, acting as biochemical markers for enhanced sun protection.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Photobiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Polymorphous light eruption (PLE) is a common skin condition triggered by ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
- PLE involves an abnormal, delayed skin reaction to sun exposure, causing itchy rashes on sun-exposed areas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of UV phototherapy for preventing sun reactions in PLE patients.
- To identify biochemical markers in the skin associated with successful UV hardening.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-one PLE patients received either UVA or UVA/UVB phototherapy over 10 sessions.
- Sun protection was assessed via high-dose UVA challenge, stratum corneum histidine analysis, urocanic acid photoisomerization, and patient diaries.
- Patients were monitored for natural sun exposure reactions post-treatment.
Main Results:
- UV phototherapy (UVA or UVA/UVB) successfully hardened the skin, preventing severe reactions to subsequent sun exposure.
- Treatment led to a significant increase in stratum corneum histidine and urocanic acid levels.
- No severe side effects were reported during the UV hardening or subsequent natural sun exposure.
Conclusions:
- UV phototherapy is an effective treatment for reducing sun sensitivity in polymorphous light eruption.
- Increased histidine and urocanic acid in the stratum corneum serve as biochemical indicators of improved UV protection.