Narrow-band ultraviolet B (ATL-01) phototherapy is an effective and safe treatment option for patients with severe seborrhoeic dermatitis

Background Seborrhoeic dermatitis is a common papulosquamous dermatosis aff ecting 2-10% of the adult population. Current treatment options are limited and not always satisfactory. Objectives We aimed to investigate the efficacy of narrow-band ultraviolet (UV) B (TL-01) phototherapy as an alternative treatment for seborrhoeic der matitis. Methods Eighteen patients with severe disease were enrolled in an open pros pective study. Treatment was given three times weekly until complete cleari ng or to a maximum of 8 weeks. A clinical score assessing erythema, scaling , infiltration and pruritus was performed at baseline and every 2 weeks the reafter. Additionally, the patients were asked to rate the intensity of pru ritus on a visual analogue scale. After completion of the study the patient s were followed up to determine the median time interval until recurrence. Results All patients responded favourably to treatment, with six showing co mplete clearance and 12 marked improvement. The median clinical score decre ased from 7.5 (range 4-8) at baseline to 0.5 (range 0-3) after 8 weeks of t reatment (P = 0.005). The median pruritus score decreased from 4.5 (range 0 -8) at baseline to 0 (range 0-3) at week 8 (P = 0.008). Relapses occurred i n all patients after a median of 21 days (range 12-40). No side-effects of treatment were observed except occasional episodes of a moderate erythemal response. Conclusions Narrow-band UVB phototherapy appears to be a very effective and safe treatment option for patients with severe seborrhoeic dermatitis.