UVB Phototherapy for pityriasis lichenoides: our experience.

Type:Uv phototherapy Time:2014-11-26 15:24:19

Macias VC1, Marques-Pinto G, Cardoso J.

Author information

Abstract

Pityriasis lichenoides is a benign disease that includes a continuous spectrum with two polar ends: pityriasis lichenoides et

varioliformis acuta (PLEVA) and pityriasis lichenoides chronica (PLC). Although its benign and self-limited character,

treatment is required, both for itch relief and for cosmetic issues. The present study is a retrospective analysis of 13

patients (11 PLC and 2 PLEVA) treated in our institution with psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) or ultraviolet A combined

with ultraviolet B (UVA/UVB) during the period 1998-2011. In the PUVA group, complete response was achieved in five patients

and partial response in two. Total cumulative UVA dose was 84.4 J/cm(2). One patient quit therapy without therapeutic

response. In the UVA/UVB group, complete response was achieved in two patients and partial response in an equal number of

patients. One patient did not reach a significant improvement. Total cumulative doses were: 26.1 J/cm(2) for UVA and 3.62

J/cm(2) for UVB. There were no acute side effects in either therapeutic group. In the present study, PUVA phototherapy was

preferred for patients with more widespread or long-evolving disease, while UVA/UVB was selected for patients who presented

more recent disease or contraindications for PUVA therapy. Regardless of the absence of clinical guidelines, both therapeutic

options proved to be successful, ascertaining phototherapy as an effective and safe option for pityriasis lichenoides

patients.

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