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Experience with UVB phototherapy in children
Y K Tay1, J G Morelli, W L Weston
1Department of Pediatric Dermatology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver 80262, USA.
Insights
Ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy effectively treated pediatric photoresponsive dermatoses, including psoriasis and pityriasis lichenoides, with complete clearing. Atopic dermatitis patients showed significant improvement, indicating UVB is a safe option for children unresponsive to other treatments.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dermatology
- Phototherapy Research
- Dermatological Treatments
Background:
- Photoresponsive dermatoses are common in children.
- Limited treatment options exist for pediatric patients unresponsive to conventional therapies.
- Ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy offers a potential therapeutic avenue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of UVB phototherapy in children with photoresponsive dermatoses.
- To assess treatment outcomes for specific conditions like psoriasis, pityriasis lichenoides, and atopic dermatitis.
- To determine if UVB phototherapy is a viable option for pediatric patients refractory to other treatments.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of twenty children (14 months to 12 years) with photoresponsive dermatoses received UVB phototherapy.
- Patients were treated over four years with short courses (average 34 treatments) and minimal maintenance.
- Conditions included psoriasis, pityriasis lichenoides, and atopic dermatitis.
Main Results:
- UVB phototherapy was effective and well-tolerated in most pediatric patients.
- Complete clearance was observed in children with psoriasis and pityriasis lichenoides.
- All patients with atopic dermatitis experienced moderate improvement, including reduced eczema extent and pruritus.
- No serious adverse events were reported during the study.
Conclusions:
- UVB phototherapy is a valuable and safe treatment for selected children with photoresponsive dermatoses.
- It offers a promising alternative for pediatric patients who have not responded to other therapies.
- Further research may explore optimal protocols for different pediatric dermatoses.
Abstract:
Twenty children age 14 months to 12 years with photoresponsive dermatoses were treated with ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy over four years. Ten children had psoriasis, five had pityriasis lichenoids, and five had atopic dermatitis. All received short courses (average 34 treatments) of phototherapy with either no maintenance or short maintenance. Treatment was effective and well tolerated in most patients, and no serious side effects were seen. Patients with psoriasis and pityriasis lichenoides cleared completely. No patient with atopic dermatitis cleared completely, but all were moderately improved, with reduction of the extent of eczema and decreased pruritus. It appears that UVB phototherapy is a valuable and safe therapeutic option for selected children who do not respond to other treatments.