Narrowband UVB for Children With Moderate to Severe Atopic Eczema

Narrowband Ultraviolet B Phototherapy in Children With Moderate to Severe Atopic Eczema- an Observational Prospective Controlled Study

To assess prospectively, the response of moderate to severe atopic eczema to a standard course of narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy by using validated objective and subjective scoring systems.

Children with moderate to severe atopic eczema prescribed a course of narrowband UVB phototherapy were scored (using validated scoring systems) objectively and subjectively before, during and after the course of treatment, as well as 3 and 6 months post treatment (to determine length of remission). Their scores were compared to a control group. The control group comprised children with moderate to severe atopic eczema who were offered UVB but were unable to undertake the treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Children aged 3-16 years with moderate to severe atopic eczema (as defined by the modified Hannifin and Rajka criteria) in whom there is a clinical indication for phototherapy (as deemed by their specialist Dermatology consultant).

Exclusion Criteria:

• Children under the age of 3 years or any child who lacks the maturity needed to stand in the phototherapy cabinet unsupervised.
• Mild disease (defined as a Six Area Six Sign Atopic Dermatitis (SASSAD) score <10)