TLDR Phototherapy is effective and well-tolerated for treating childhood psoriasis and pityriasis lichenoides chronica.
The study reviewed 20 years of phototherapy treatment in 113 children with conditions like psoriasis, vitiligo, and alopecia areata. Phototherapy, especially narrow-band UVB, was effective in most cases, with high response rates for psoriasis and PLC. Over 50% re-pigmentation was achieved in vitiligo patients treated with PUVA and narrow-band UVB, but only 30% of alopecia areata patients showed complete hair regrowth. Erythema was the most common adverse effect. The study emphasized phototherapy's value but also highlighted concerns about long-term risks like skin aging and carcinogenesis, particularly in Caucasian populations.
39 citations,
April 2003 in “Australasian journal of dermatology” PUVA treatment led to significant hair regrowth in over half of the patients with alopecia areata totalis and universalis.
105 citations,
December 1995 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement” PUVA treatment is generally ineffective for alopecia areata.
281 citations,
January 2013 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Manage vitiligo with treatments, address emotions, and use camouflage techniques.
2 citations,
January 2019 in “Springer eBooks” Segmental Vitiligo is a stable, early-onset form of vitiligo that responds well to early treatment and is ideal for repigmentation studies.
1 citations,
January 2014 in “Elsevier eBooks” Melanocytes produce melanin; their defects cause vitiligo and hair graying, with treatments available for vitiligo.
5 citations,
December 2011 in “InTech eBooks” Eat antioxidant-rich foods, reduce fast food, and explore various treatments for vitiligo.
8 citations,
January 2014 in “Journal of dermatology & dermatologic surgery” Most vitiligo patients in Makkah are young women, often with family history and thyroid issues.
