Narrowband ultraviolet B light in Langerhans cell histiocytosis: a case report

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) (previously called eosinophilic granuloma, Hand-Schüller-Christian syndrome, Letterer-Siwe disease, and Hashimoto-Pritzker disease) is a rare, heterogeneous disorder with highly variable presentation. LCH commonly affects the skin, as well as internal organs. Because the skin lesions appear benign, and LCH is unfamiliar to most physicians, diagnosis is often delayed. Treatment is controversial, with further clinical study needed. For persons with extensive, skin-limited disease, the existing topical therapies are impractical. We present a child with cutaneous LCH lesions that responded to ultraviolet light phototherapy with minimal adverse effects or patient discomfort.