Treatment of chronic hand eczema with UV-B Handylux in the clinic and at home.
The efficacy of UV-B irradiation, administered by a new unit, Handylux, in patients with chronic hand eczema was investigated. 15 patients were treated in the clinic and 11 patients at home. Treatments were performed 4-5 x weekly for approximately 10 weeks. According to the strict criteria used for clearing, none of the patients cleared during the study, but 18 of the 26 patients were defined as much improved by the investigator, while 17 of the patients considered themselves as > 80% improved. The compliance in both groups was very good and side-effects limited and dose-related. According to our experience, the effect of high dose UV-B in chronic hand eczema is almost comparable to PUVA, and offers an opportunity for patients to treat themselves at home.
Sjövall
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Department of Dermatology, University of Lund, Malmö General Hospital, Sweden.
Christensen
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OB
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004485:Eczema / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D005260:Female; D006229:Hand Dermatoses / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006699:Home Care Services; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014467:Ultraviolet Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*