Phototherapy for atopic dermatitis

Phototherapy is a second-line treatment for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD) that effectively decreases cutaneous inflammation with minimal or no systemic side effects. Children in grade school, adolescents, and adults may benefit from phototherapy, when they have chronic AD refractory to first-line topical treatments. This review focuses on six approaches for phototherapy in AD: (1) broadband ultraviolet B (UVB), (2) Goeckerman regimen (coal tar + broadband UVB), (3) narrowband UVB, (4) excimer lasers for targeted areas, (5) combination UVA/UVB, and (6) UVA-1. Phototherapy can be very effective in some individuals, but it is limited by inconvenience and adverse effects, including limited access to in-office treatment, difficulty adhering to thrice-weekly schedule, flaring from excessive heat, and increased risk of skin cancer. Dosing regimen and treatment concerns are reviewed.