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UVB phototherapy for pityriasis rosea: a bilateral comparison study
1Department of Dermatology, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
|December 1, 1995
Summary
UVB phototherapy significantly reduced pityriasis rosea severity during treatment. However, this ultraviolet B (UVB) treatment did not alter the disease course or itching long-term.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Phototherapy
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Pityriasis rosea is a common, self-limiting skin condition.
- Limited evidence supports UV light therapy for pityriasis rosea.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness of UVB phototherapy for pityriasis rosea.
- To evaluate the disease's progression post-treatment.
Main Methods:
- 17 patients with extensive pityriasis rosea underwent unilateral UVB phototherapy.
- A bilateral comparison study used UVA as a placebo on the untreated side.
- Treatments were administered five times weekly for two weeks, monitoring severity scores.
Main Results:
- UVB therapy led to significant disease severity reduction compared to the placebo side in 15/17 patients.
- Severity scores improved significantly after the third treatment with UVB.
- No significant differences in severity, itching, or disease duration were observed during follow-up.
Conclusions:
- UVB phototherapy effectively decreased pityriasis rosea severity during the treatment phase.
- The treatment did not impact long-term disease course or pruritus.