Volume : 6, Issue : 3, March - 2017

COMPARISON BETWEEN PUVA AND NB-UVB THERAPY IN VARIOUS DERMATOLOGICAL CONDITIONS– AN OPEN STUDY -ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE

M. Yamini, K. Kannambal, P. V. S. Prasad, P. K. Kaviarasan

Abstract :

<p>&nbsp;Introduction: NB-UVB is being increasingly used for treatment of various skin diseases. Irradiation with this source has been found to be superior to conventional oad band UVB in psoriasis producing longer remissions, lower incidence of burning and possibly lower risk of UV carcinogenesis. The effect of PUVA in other dermatoses like pityriasis lichenoides, atopic eczema, vitiligo, alopecia areata, lichen planus, granuloma annulare and scleredema adultorum have all been documented. Comparative studies of PUVA versus UVB in psoriasis revealed in skin types I-IV, PUVA is more effective than UVBor has equal effectiveness. In vitiligo it is found to be less effective than UVB.&nbsp; Aim: To compare the effectiveness of PUVA versus UVB in Indian setup in Fitzpatrick type III-IV patients. Materials And Methods: We included all dermatological diseases which can be treated with PUVA or with NB-UVB. One hundred patients were randomly selected for the study. Detailed history and clinical examination were done in all patients. Every alternate patient was given PUVA and NB-UVB respectively. The response was assessed and individually recorded during each visit. Complete response was defined as disappearance of lesions of more than 90% (grade-I) and more than 50% as grade-II. The time taken for response was recorded. Remission period was also noted in patients during follow-up. Results: The results were tabulated and analysed. Conclusion: we experienced that both forms of phototherapy were equally effective in almost all dermatosis. However, when PUVA is contraindicated NB-UVB is the best option. Our study showed in rare dermatoses like scleredema and alopecia universalis both modalities were not very effective. As the number of cases in each category is less we need to do trials on a larger scale to prove the benefits.</p>