Narrow-band UVB (311 nm) versus conventional broad-band UVB with and without dithranol in phototherapy for psoriasis.
BACKGROUND
A narrow-band UVB lamp (Philips TL 01) emitting a peak of approximately 311 nm was developed to improve the phototherapy for psoriasis. Only a few studies have been performed with promising results.


OBJECTIVE
The therapeutic efficacy of the Philips TL 01 lamp in a new 100 W version was compared with conventional broad-band lamps (Sylvania UV 6) in a controlled trial.


METHODS
Twenty-three patients with psoriasis were treated with half-body exposures from the different UVB sources. The rate of clearing was monitored by estimation of the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index. All patients used emollients; excessive scaling was removed with salicylic acid in yellow petrolatum. In 13 patients dithranol in a modified Ingram regimen was added. In most cases the study was discontinued once a difference between the two sides was evident.


RESULTS
In 20 of 23 cases the TL 01 lamp proved to be significantly more effective than the conventional source. Application of dithranol provided a substantial additional therapeutic effect. With the high-intensity TL 01/100W bulbs, exposure times were comparable to broad-band UVB phototherapy.


CONCLUSIONS
The therapeutic efficacy of Philips TL 01/100W and its practicability for psoriasis phototherapy have been demonstrated.
Storbeck
K
K
Department of Dermatology, Heinrich-Heine-University, Dusseldorf, Germany.
Hölzle
E
E
Schürer
N
N
Lehmann
P
P
Plewig
G
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000875:Anthralin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014467:Ultraviolet Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods
D000875:Anthralin