Narrow-band (TL-01) UVB air-conditioned phototherapy for chronic severe adult atopic dermatitis

In an open study of 21 severely affected adult atopic dermatitis patients, air-conditioned narrow-band UVB phototherapy using the Philips TL-01 lamp three times weekly for 12 weeks resulted in a 68% reduction in atopic dermatitis severity scores, with a concomitant 88% reduction in potent topical steroid use. Follow-up at 24 weeks revealed that six patients had relapsed to >70% of pre-phototherapy severity scores; the remaining 15 continued to derive long-term benefit. The mean value of potent topical steroid use remained 50% below pre-phototherapy needs. Narrow-band UVB (TL-01) phototherapy appears an effective, steroid-sparing treatment for chronic severe atopic dermatitis, offering long-term benefits in the majority of those treated.