Ultraviolet light therapy in atopic dermatitis

In 1979-1981, 107 patients with atopic dermatitis were treated with Psorilux 9050 emitting 1.24 mW/cm2 at 280-315 nm and 7.33 mW/cm2 at 315-400 nm. Half of the patients received one treatment course, 20% 2-3 courses, and one third more than 3 treatment courses. A good result was obtained in 93% of the cases but in the other cases the treatment was either ineffective or the patients were too sensitive to the radiation. After the treatment, the need for treatment with topical corticosteroids had decreased in one half of the patients and increased in only 2% of them. In 1982-1983, 89 atopics were treated with Metec Helarium model 1480, emitting both UVB and UVA (310-340 nm, with a peak at 320-330 nm). One treatment course, 3-45 weeks (mean 19 weeks), was given to 69 patients, and two treatment courses to 20 patients. The treatment was effective in 94% of the patients. The others did not respond. After the treatment, the need of treatment with topical corticosteroids had decreased in 85% of the cases, and increased in none. Psorilux therapy caused II degree burns in two patients and erythema lasting greater than 24 hours in 11 patients. Erythema was encountered in 14 patients receiving Metec Helarium therapy but in no cases II degree burns. Seventeen patients received both Psorilux and Metec Helarium therapies and 14 of them preferred the latter.