Clinical Improvement and Laboratory Parameters after Narrow-band Ultraviolet B Phototherapy in Adult Atopic Dermatitis Patients

The increasing incidence of atopic dermatitis calls for attention on new therapeutic modalities such as phototherapy. Adverse outcomes following the continuous uses of corticosteroid and immunosuppressive agents could be avoided with the narrow-band ultraviolet B phototherapy. We aimed to assess the effects of narrow-band ultraviolet B phototherapy for adult atopic dermatitis patients with moderate to severe disease. We have conducted an uncontrolled study on 24 adult atopic dermatitis patients with moderate to severe disease. Laboratory data including eosinophil fraction, serum levels of eosinophilic cationic protein and soluble E-selectin that support the atopic inflammation were compared before and after the 12 week treatment session, as well as the clinical parameters assessed by eczema area severity index and patient questionnaires. Patients showed clinical improvement and serum eosinophilic fraction and E-selectin level showed significant decrements following the phototherapy. The improvements evidenced by clinical and laboratory data seem to be promising. Narrow-band ultraviolet B phototherapy may be an useful method for the treatment of adult atopic dermatitis patients with moderate to severe disease with fewer side effects.ope