A retrospective review of UVA1 treatment: An Australian experience from a single centre.

Abstract

The therapeutic value of ultraviolet A1 (UVA1) phototherapy has been acknowledged for many years. Initially developed predominately for experimental and diagnostic purposes, it was subsequently recognised as a beneficial therapeutic modality in atopic dermatitis and localised scleroderma, and more recently a variety of sclerosing and fibrosing dermatoses, T-lymphocyte mediated disorders, both inflammatory and infiltrative, and several predominately dermal processes previously unresponsive to current therapies. We present a retrospective evaluation of outcomes and treatment tolerability in adult patients using a low dose (30 joules/cm2 ), regimen administered in our private dermatologic practice, between 2006 and December 2019. Major clinical groups represented include atopic dermatitis, localised and systemic sclerodermas, mycosis fungoides, urticarial dermatitis, generalised pruritus and granuloma annulare. Eighty-seven patients are included in this study with 92% of all patients experiencing a beneficial result, 54% having complete and 38% partial relief of presenting signs and/or symptoms. UVA1 therapy was well tolerated, with no patients ceasing treatment due to adverse effects. Ultraviolet A1 is an effective and safe treatment option in many hitherto recalcitrant cutaneous conditions.