Optimized UVB treatment of atopic dermatitis using skin reflectance measurements. A controlled, left-right comparison trial

Abstract

In a randomized, open, left-right comparison study, 20 patients with atopic dermatitis were treated with UVB. One side of the body received UVB in a conventional regimen with fixed dosage increments, the other side was given UVB dosages according to skin reflectance measurements of skin pigmentation and erythema. Clinical outcome was assessed by SCORAD. The initial, final and cumulative UVB dosages, time to 50% reduction in SCORAD, and side effects were compared. The initial UVB dosage was somewhat higher in the skin reflectance-guided treatment than in the conventional UVB regimen, although not significantly. There was no difference in the reduction of SCORAD comparing the two treatment options; however, the final UVB dosage and the cumulative UVB dosages were significantly lower in the optimized regimen. This new technique offers the same therapeutic advantage and security as a dose regimen guided by minimal erythema dose testing. However, measurement of skin pigmentation by skin reflectance is a rapid method, which can easily be operated by nurses.