A double-blind placebo-controlled trial of UVA-1 in the treatment of dyshidrotic eczema.
We carried out a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to examine the therapeutic effect of UVA-1 irradiation on dyshidrotic hand eczema. Twenty-eight patients were randomised to receive UVA-1 irradiation (40 J/cm2) or placebo, five times a week for 3 weeks. Evaluated by the DASI and the VAS, UVA-1 was significantly more effective after 2 and 3 weeks. Also, desquamation and area of affected skin improved significantly more after UVA-1. We did not find any difference regarding the response of patients with increased IgE blood levels (>100 IU/mL) compared with those having normal IgE levels. No side effects were observed. This study indicates that UVA-1 can cause a significant improvement of both objective and subjective signs of dyshidrotic eczema.
Polderman
M C A
MC
Department of Dermatology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands. M.C.A.Polderman@lumc.nl
Govaert
J C M
JC
le Cessie
S
S
Pavel
S
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D011146:Eczema, Dyshidrotic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006229:Hand Dermatoses / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014467:Ultraviolet Therapy / Q000379:methods*