A retrospective review of phototherapy in children, at a tertiary paediatric dermatology unit.

Background/Purpose: To examine the efficacy, tolerability and safety of phototherapy in children, in whom there is currently a paucity of data. Materials and Methods: Retrospective review of children under 18 years who received narrowband UVB (NB‐UVB), broadband UVB (BB‐UVB) phototherapy or psoralen with UVA (PUVA) photochemotherapy between 2003 and 2017 at a tertiary Paediatric dermatology centre in Southampton, UK. Results: 100 children aged 6‐17 years were included. The majority of children had psoriasis (74), atopic dermatitis (10) or vitiligo (8), with others having rarer dermatoses. Grade 2 erythema or above occurred in 46% of all included children and 42% (36/86) of those receiving NB‐UVB; however, grade 3 and 4 reactions were infrequent and only 3 children stopped treatment due to burning. NB‐UVB was particularly effective in those with psoriasis; 55/65 (85%) significantly improved, and 72% had not relapsed after 2 years. However, its effectiveness in atopic dermatitis was less convincing; in a small group of children, 6/10 (60%) significantly improved, but 66% relapsed within 3 months. Conclusions: Our analysis demonstrates that NB‐UVB is effective in children with psoriasis and vitiligo, with potential to achieve extended periods of remission in psoriasis. Its usefulness in atopic dermatitis is less clear. The long‐term safety of NB‐UVB in children is still unknown, but it appears to be a well‐tolerated treatment and should be considered in children for a variety of inflammatory dermatoses before progressing to immunosuppressive therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]