Comparison of 5%NaCl Solution and UVB to Mineral Oil and UVB in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis

Choi, Jun; Lee, Ai Young

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Among various treatment modalities, phototherapy is one of the choices that clinicians can use in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Although UVB phototherapy has its relative shortcomings in efficacy compared to PUVA due to limited light transmission degree, it can also be effectively used for children to have limited value about PUVA. According to recent reports published in Europe, UVB therapy with salt solutions(balneophototherapy), well documented in the treatment of psoriasis, is also being investigated for atopic dermatitis. OBJECTIVE: A study was designed to compare the efficacy between 5% NaCl solution with UVB and mineral oil with UVB phototherapy in patients with severe atopic dermatitis. METHOD: Sixteen patients with severe atopic dermatitis with lichenifications, erythematous papules and excoriations over 30% of body surfaces were included in the study. Male to female ratio was 9 to 7, and nine of sixteen patients were under 15 years old. Application of 5% NaCl solution was done on one side of the extremities and mineral oil on the other side. Subsequently, same dosage of broadband UVB was irradiated on both sides. Treatment was performed 2-3 times per week with a maximum of 20 treatments. RESULT: Difference between the body sites of different treatment modalities was observed in ten of sixteen patients after an average of nine treatment sessions. The skin lesions of 5% NaCl solution treatment were better than those of mineral oil. Improvement was notable especially in patients under 15 years old, because seven out of nine patients showed marked difference in 5%NaCl treated sites. Although there was no clear-cut difference in five out of sixteen patients, three of these five stated to feel less pruritus. One patient dropped out due to burning sensation. CONCLUSION: The treatment of combined 5%NaCl solution and UVB radiation could be a valuable treatment alternative for severe atopic dermatitis especially in younger population.