Efficacy of Monochromatic Excimer Light (308 nm) in the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis in Adults and Children

Abstract

To demonstrate the efficacy of light produced by a 308 nm xenon-chloride monochromatic excimer light (MEL) in the treatment of localized lesions of atopic dermatitis (AD) in adults and in children. The 308-nm excimer light has been reported to be safe and effective in the treatment of chronic skin diseases, although the range of potential applications has not been fully explored. Twelve adults and six children affected by localized lesions of AD were enrolled in this pilot study and treated with a weekly session of MEL. A range of 6-12 sessions was performed with an increasing dosage according to the patient's phototype and response. Follow-up was for 16 wk. All patients completed the protocol. At the end of treatment complete remission was observed in 12/18 patients (66.7%), a partial remission in 3/18 (16.7%) and no remission in 3/18 (16.7%). A mean total dose of 21.89 minimal erythemal dose (MED) was performed. Forty-four percent of patients maintained the results achieved at a 16-week follow-up. Treatment was well tolerated overall. MEL can be considered as a valid and safe therapeutic option for the treatment of localized AD in adults and children.