UVB therapy of pityriasis lichenoides--our experience with 29 patients.
BACKGROUND
Pityriasis lichenoides comprises a clinical and pathological spectrum of disorders. So far no highly effective treatment has been reported. Previous small studies have suggested that ultraviolet B (UVB) is a good alternative.


METHODS
This is a retrospective analysis of 29 pityriasis lichenoides patients treated in our institution with broad- or narrow-band UVB during the period 1996-2002. Twenty-one of these patients had one or more previous unsuccessful treatments.


RESULTS
Complete response was achieved in 93.1% in both treatment groups, with 73% of them still relapse free after a mean follow-up of 58 and 38 months in broad- and narrow-band UVB treatment groups, respectively. Mild side-effects were observed in about one-third of the patients.


CONCLUSIONS
We believe both forms of UVB are a good option for pityriasis lichenoides and should be considered as the first line in generalized cases interested in treatment.
Pavlotsky
F
F
Phototherapy Unit, Department of Dermatology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer and Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Israel. felixp@post.tau.ac.il
Baum
S
S
Barzilai
A
A
Shpiro
D
D
Trau
H
H