Efficacy and safety of excimer light (308 nm) in the treatment of pityriasis lichenoides chronica.

INTRODUCTION: Pityriasis lichenoides chronica is the chronic end of the spectrum of pityriasis lichenoides which have several forms of papulosuamous conditions. Several treatments obtained complete clearance of the condition including phototherapy and specifically narrow band ultraviolet B. The Excimer light 308 is a monochromatic light that acts within the ultraviolet B wavelength and used as a targeted phototherapy in several skin conditions. METHODS: Thirty-four patients with histopathologically diagnosed pityriasis lichenoides chronica underwent treatment with biweekly sessions of excimer light 308 nm. Treatment continued until complete clearance was obtained or to a maximum of 48 sessions (24 weeks). RESULTS: Thirty-one patients obtained complete clearance with no recurrence till the end of the study period, two patients had partial response and only one patient showed poor response to treatment. CONCLUSION: Excimer light can be a safe and effective treatment of pityriasis lichinoides chronica in different ages and genders.

Efficacy and safety of active vitamin D supplementation in chronic spontaneous urticaria patients.

BACKGROUND: Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a common skin disorder affecting negatively patients' lives. Vitamin D deficiency has been reported to be associated to many allergic skin disorders. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the association between the serum level of 25 hydroxy vitamin D and CSU and to assess the efficacy and safety of active vitamin D in management of CSU. METHODS: The study was conducted on 77 patients with CSU and 67 healthy controls, then the 77 CSU patients were randomized to either the study group that received 0.25 µg alfacalcidol daily or the placebo group that received oral placebo for 12 weeks. RESULTS: Serum 25(OH) D was significantly lower in CSU as compared to healthy controls and was negatively correlated to the urticarial severity. After alfacalcidol administration, the study group showed significant higher level of 25(OH) D compared to the placebo group. In addition, the mean serum level of IL6, hsCRP and TNFα significantly decreased in the study group in comparison to the placebo group and as compared to their baseline results. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D deficiency is more common in CSU patients as compared to healthy people and hence, alfacalcidol might have a beneficial role as add on therapy in CSU management with no reported side effects.