Efficacy of Ultraviolet A1 Phototherapy in Recalcitrant Skin Diseases

Background: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation has been used for decades to treat a variety of skin diseases. UVA1 was used initially as an effective treatment for acute exacerbated atopic dermatitis. Since then, UVA1 has been attempted for recalcitrant skin diseases. Objective: This study examined the efficacy of UVA1 phototherapy in three recalcitrant skin diseases. Methods: This retrospective study reviewed the efficacy and follow-up of 26 patients with atopic dermatitis (AD), mycosis fungoides (MF) and localized scleroderma (LS). SUPUVASUN 3000 (Mutzhas Co., Munich, Germany) and SELLAMED 3000 (Sellas Medizinische Gerate GmbH, Gevelsberg, Germany) were the UVA1 equipment used. Irradiation was performed in accordance with the disease. Low-dose (20 J/cm2), medium-dose (65 J/cm2) and high-dose regimens (100 J/cm2) of UVA1 therapy were employed. The frequency of the therapy ranged from 3 to 5 times weekly. The therapeutic effectiveness was assessed according to the clinical examination before and after the last treatment. Results: In patients with AD, complete and partial remission was achieved in four (80%) and one (20%) patient, respectively. In patients with MF, complete and partial remission was observed in thirteen (86.7%) and two (13.3%) patients, respectively. In patients with LS, complete and partial remission was observed in three (50%) and three (50%) patients, respectively. Conclusion: UVA1 phototherapy is an effective treatment modality for acute exacerbated AD, MF and LS. (Ann Dermatol 22(1) 1∼8, 2010)