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

Abstract 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.