Effectiveness and safety of topical emollients in the treatment of PUVA-induced pruritus

In this study we tried to assess the efficacy of topical emollients in the treatment of patients with PUVA-induced pruritus. 41 patients over 18 years of age, who received PUVA treatment in the phototherapy unit, were included in the study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups; Group I was administered with a 4% urea lotion and Group II was administered with liquid petrolatum. The follow-up period was minimum 4 weeks. During the first 2 weeks, patients were administered topical emollients and received PUVA treatment together. The next 2 weeks, they continued PUVA treatment without any medication. When time-dependent changes in the visual analogue scale scores for pruritus of both groups were considered, both treatment methods were found to be remarkably successful (p < 0.0001). In addition, an insignificant group-time interaction was identified (p = 0.753). Topical emollients were found to be effective in the treatment of PUVA-induced pruritus. Both forms of medication can be successfully administered and increase the patient's compliance with medication.