Comparison of efficacy and safety of ultraviolet A radiation versus ultraviolet B radiation in atopic dermatitis

Objective to compare the efficacy and safety of ultraviolet a versus ultraviolet b in atopic dermatitis. methods in this randomized trial,conducted in the dermatology department unit-ii,king edward medical university mayo hospital,lahore,60 patients with ad fulfilling the inclusion criteria were entered in the study. in group a,30 patients were given uva treatment. in group b,30 patients were treated with uvb. the treatment was given thrice a week till clearance or for maximum of 12 weeks. emollients were applied in both groups. patients were assessed at 2nd,4th,6th,8th,10th and 12th weeks. after completion of treatment they were followed monthly for 3 months. results 100% patients in group b (uvb) and 93% patients in group a (uva) showed > 50% reduction in scorad. side effects were observed in 47% patients in group a (pigmentation being statistically significant) and 25% patients in group b in which serious side effects of erythema and burns were seen,though statistically insignificant. conclusion both uva and uvb are equal in terms of efficacy. pigmentation is more common with uva while erythema and burns were only seen with uvb.