Resolution of pruritus secondary to polycythemia vera in a patient treated with narrow-band ultraviolet B phototherapy.
Narrow-band ultraviolet B (UVB) is a newer treatment modality for photoresponsive skin diseases. Since its introduction, dermatologists continue to use it for a myriad of dermatoses. Polycythemia vera is one cause of intractable pruritus that has recently been treated successfully with narrow-band UVB. We describe the case of a 77-year-old Caucasian male with a 4-year history of polycythemia vera complicated by intractable pruritus. Narrow-band UVB was successfully used to treat his pruritus. The patient noted an improvement in pruritus within the first four treatments and almost complete resolution after 18 treatments.
Madkan
V K
VK
Medical College of Georgia, Martinez, GA, USA. vmadkan@gmail.com
Bandow
G D
GD
Koo
J Y M
JY
D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011087:Polycythemia Vera / Q000150:complications*; D011537:Pruritus / Q000209:etiology* / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D014467:Ultraviolet Therapy