UVB phototherapy of the pruritic papular eruption of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
BACKGROUND
Pruritic papular eruption (PPE) is a chronic dermatosis frequently seen in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients. UVB phototherapy has been successfully used to treat a similar inflammatory condition (Ofuji disease) as well as pruritus of systemic origin.


OBJECTIVE
We describe the successful treatment with UVB of seven of eight patients with PPE.


METHODS
Eight HIV-positive patients with PPE were treated. The number of papules in a specified area of skin and the intensity of pruritus were monitored before, during, and after UVB phototherapy given three times a week. Biopsy specimens were taken before and after therapy and systemic immune function was evaluated.


RESULTS
Both the number of papules as well as pruritus decreased after UVB treatment in all but one patient. Immunoperoxidase staining showed a relative decrease in CD4+, CD8+, and CD2+ cells in all samples studied except for the patient noted to be unresponsive to the therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
UVB phototherapy is effective in the treatment of patients with PPE. This is associated with a significant decrease in inflammation and number of T cells from various subsets within the dermis, thereby implicating these cells in the pathogenesis of this disorder.
Pardo
R J
RJ
Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami School of Medicine, FL 33101.
Bogaert
M A
MA
Penneys
N S
NS
Byrne
G E
GE
Ruiz
P
P
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000150:complications*; D001706:Biopsy; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006801:Humans; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D016131:Lymphocyte Subsets; D011537:Pruritus / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology; D012872:Skin Diseases, Vesiculobullous / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D014467:Ultraviolet Therapy