Keratopathy after ultraviolet B phototherapy

Atopic dermatitis is the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease among children in industrialized countries. The prevalence is recorded to be up to 20% in children. Phototherapy with ultraviolet B (UVB) is an effective form of treatment with a low complication rate. Here we report on a patient with atopic dermatitis who underwent UVB treatment to the facial area including the eyelids and who developed severe keratitis with facial erythema. The symptoms diminished within a few days under topical steroid treatment. Although phototherapy seems to be a safe treatment procedure for atopic dermatitis, patients undergoing UVB treatment should be informed about possible side effects if the eyes are not fully closed during treatment. The use of protective eye shields should be considered, since UVB might induce long-term corneal damage and early onset of cataract.