Influence of UVB therapy on dermoscopic features of acquired melanocytic nevi.

Type:Uv phototherapy Time:2017-11-01 11:19:39

Hofmann-Wellenhof R1, Wolf P, Smolle J, Reimann-Weber A, Soyer HP, Kerl H.

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Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Exposure to UV radiation can lead to clinical, histologic, and ultrastructural changes in acquired melanocytic nevi.

OBJECTIVE:

We investigated whether UVB therapy can induce changes in melanocytic nevi detectable by dermoscopy.

METHODS:

Eighty acquired melanocytic nevi of 13 patients (10 females, 3 males; mean age, 28 years; range, 13 to 62 years)

undergoing UVB therapy were documented under standardized conditions by means of a Dermaphot apparatus before and at

the end of suberythemal UVB therapy. The mean duration of therapy was 8 weeks (range, 2 to 17 weeks) and the mean

total UVB dose was 1120 mJ/cm2 (range, 247 to 2771 mJ/cm2). During UV irradiation, 40 nevi were left unprotected and

40 nevi were protected from UV exposure in a randomized manner. Color dermoscopic images of nevi before and after UVB

therapy were projected side by side and examined blindly by five investigators. Fifteen different features were

evaluated in the nevi.

RESULTS:

Unprotected nevi became more irregular (p < or = 0.01) and darker brown (p < or = 0.03) by the end of the therapy,

whereas the protected nevi showed no significant changes.

CONCLUSION:

Suberythemal UVB therapy can lead to changes in the dermoscopic image of acquired melanocytic nevi, presumably by

activating melanocytes.

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