title: Narrowband UVB therapy as an effective treatment for Schamberg's disease.
abstract: A 33-year-old man presented with a 3-month history of a widespread pigmented purpuric eruption over his trunk and limbs. The clinical presentation and histology were consistent with a diagnosis of Schamberg's disease. The rash initially cleared following a short course of oral prednisolone at 25 mg daily for 3 weeks, which was weaned over the subsequent 4 weeks. Topical mometasone furoate ointment 0.1% daily was also applied to active areas. The rash recurred when prednisolone was reduced to below 5 mg per day. To prevent a further recurrence with weaning prednisolone, narrowband UVB therapy was commenced three times per week. The patient was continued on UV therapy over the next 5 months. The rash would flare after 2 to 3 weeks without treatment. The frequency of UV therapy was weaned and the patient remained clear on as little as one treatment every 2 weeks. Any further reduction, however, was associated with a recurrence. Narrowband UVB therapy should be considered for difficult or persistent cases of pigmented purpuric eruption.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. anita2p@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Anita L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Lasocki
authors.forename: Robert I
authors.initials: RI
authors.lastname: Kelly
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007868:Leg Dermatoses / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D010789:Phototherapy / Q000379:methods; D010859:Pigmentation Disorders / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D011693:Purpura / Q000473:pathology; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D005938:Glucocorticoids