Narrowband UVB for Oral Lichen Planus?

Results of a small, short-term study are positive, but the long-term effects of exposing the oral mucosa to ultraviolet light are not yet known.

Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory disease that can involve the oral mucosa, causing pain and even interfering with eating and speaking. Current treatment options are generally limited, prompting investigators to explore the use of phototherapy. In this study, researchers evaluated the effectiveness of localized ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy for recalcitrant disease.

Fourteen patients with erosive oral lichen planus who had been unresponsive to topical steroid therapy (age range, 48–83; duration of disease, 8 months–24 years) were treated with localized narrowband UVB three times weekly for 8 weeks. The radiation was started at 20% of the minimal erythemal dose (MED) and then increased by one third of the MED at every other treatment…

Reviewing Author

Craig A. Elmets, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board Astellas Pharmaceuticals

EquityVaxin

Grant / Research support NIH; NIH/NCI; Veteran’s Administration; Ferndale Laboratories; Kyowa Hakko Kirin Pharma, Inc.

Editorial boards Cancer Prevention Research; Photodermatology, Photoimmunology, & Photomedicine; UpToDate; eMedicine; Journal of Dermatological Sciences; JAMA Dermatology

Leadership positions in professional societies American Academy of Dermatology (Vice Chair, Committee on Science and Research); Photomedicine Society (Board of Directors)

Craig A. Elmets, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board Astellas Pharmaceuticals

EquityVaxin

Grant / Research support NIH; NIH/NCI; Veteran’s Administration; Ferndale Laboratories; Kyowa Hakko Kirin Pharma, Inc.

Editorial boards Cancer Prevention Research; Photodermatology, Photoimmunology, & Photomedicine; UpToDate; eMedicine; Journal of Dermatological Sciences; JAMA Dermatology

Leadership positions in professional societies American Academy of Dermatology (Vice Chair, Committee on Science and Research); Photomedicine Society (Board of Directors)