Efficacy and safety of narrowband ultraviolet B versus combined ultraviolet A/narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy in the treatment of chronic atopic dermatitis: A randomised double-blind study

Phototherapy is a useful treatment modality for atopic dermatitis (AD). This is a prospective randomised double-blind study comparing the clinical efficacy of combined ultraviolet-A (UVA)/narrowband ultraviolet-B (NBUVB) versus NBUVB phototherapy in the treatment of chronic AD. Patients with moderate-to-severe AD were randomised to receive either UVA/NBUVB or NBUVB phototherapy twice weekly over 12 weeks. At baseline, weeks 6 and 12, Eczema Area And Severity Index (EASI), itch score and adverse effects were assessed. At baseline and week 12, disease-related quality of life was evaluated using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Nine patients were randomised to receive UVA/NBUVB and 10 received NBUVB. At week 12, both groups showed significant improvement in EASI and itch scores (p < 0.05). Significant improvement in DLQI was seen in the UVA/NBUVB arm (p = 0.009) with a trend towards improvement in the NBUVB arm (p = 0.11). The efficacy of both modalities were comparable, as were reported adverse effects aside from skin dryness which was higher in the NBUVB arm (40% vs. 0%, p = 0.033). Combined UVA/NBUVB and NBUVB phototherapy have comparable clinical efficacy and safety in the treatment of chronic AD. NBUVB may induce greater skin dryness.