Phototherapy for atopic dermatitis

Abstract Phototherapy is a second-line treatment for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD) that effectively decreases cutaneous inflammation with minimal or no systemic side effects. Children in grade school, adolescents, and adults may benefit from phototherapy, when they have chronic AD refrac...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Clinics in dermatology 2016-09, Vol.34 (5), p.607-613
Main Authors: Rodenbeck, Dorothy L., BA, MHS, Silverberg, Jonathan I., MD, PhD, MPH, Silverberg, Nanette B., MD
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Coal Tar - therapeutic use
Dermatitis, Atopic - drug therapy
Dermatitis, Atopic - radiotherapy
Dermatology
Humans
Keratolytic Agents - therapeutic use
Lasers, Excimer - therapeutic use
Photochemotherapy
Practice Guidelines as Topic
Ultraviolet Therapy - adverse effects
Ultraviolet Therapy - methods
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Summary:Abstract Phototherapy is a second-line treatment for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD) that effectively decreases cutaneous inflammation with minimal or no systemic side effects. Children in grade school, adolescents, and adults may benefit from phototherapy, when they have chronic AD refractory to first-line topical treatments. This review focuses on six approaches for phototherapy in AD: (1) broadband ultraviolet B (UVB), (2) Goeckerman regimen (coal tar + broadband UVB), (3) narrowband UVB, (4) excimer lasers for targeted areas, (5) combination UVA/UVB, and (6) UVA-1. Phototherapy can be very effective in some individuals, but it is limited by inconvenience and adverse effects, including limited access to in-office treatment, difficulty adhering to thrice-weekly schedule, flaring from excessive heat, and increased risk of skin cancer. Dosing regimen and treatment concerns are reviewed.
ISSN:0738-081X
1879-1131
DOI:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2016.05.011