UVA1 phototherapy is effective in darker skin
Type:Uv phototherapy Time:2016-09-27 16:12:49Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Studies suggest ultraviolet (UV) A1 phototherapy is efficacious and
safe in treating a variety of skin disorders. However, most reports
evaluating the benefits of UVA1 phototherapy have been from Europe,
focusing on a predominantly Caucasian population. Darker skin types have
been evaluated only sparingly; none the less, it is widely held that
these patients respond poorly to UVA1 phototherapy due to increased
pigmentation.
OBJECTIVES:
We aim to compare efficacy (clinical improvement scores) of UVA1 phototherapy among Fitzpatrick skin types.
METHODS:
A retrospective analysis of 101 patients receiving UVA1 treatment
at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, TX was
performed. Data on Fitzpatrick skin type and cumulative UVA1 doses were
collected. Clinical improvement scores based on body surface area,
erythema, induration, sclerosis, pigmentation, and symptoms of pain or
pruritus were obtained.
RESULTS:
In the population studied, with morphoea and scleroderma being the
most frequent diagnoses, improvement scores from UVA1 phototherapy and
mean cumulative UVA1 doses were not significantly different among the
Fitzpatrick skin types evaluated. Furthermore, little or no correlation
was found between improvement score and skin type.
CONCLUSIONS:
Data indicate skin pigmentation as graded by Fitzpatrick skin type
does not significantly influence the efficacy of UVA1 phototherapy.
Thus, UVA1 should be considered as a therapeutic option in more darkly
pigmented patients.
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