ABSTRACT
I. Introduction 459
II. Indications for UV Treatment 459
III. Contraindications for UV Treatment 459
IV. Different Types of UV Treatment 460
A. PUVA 460
B. UV-B 460
V. Clinical Effect of UV Treatment 461
A. PUVA 461
B. UV-B 461
C. PUVA vs. UV-B 462
D. PUVA vs. Superficial Radiotherapy 463
E. PUVA vs. UV-A 463
F. Follow-Up of UV Treatment 464
VI. Side Effects of UV Treatment 464
A. PUVA 464
B. UV-B 466
VII. Practical Advice in Connection with UV Treatment of Hand Eczema 466
VIII. Conclusion and Prospects of UV Treatment of Hand Eczema 467
References 467
I. INTRODUCTION
Hand eczema occurs widely in the population. In a Swedish epidemiological study on 20,000 individuals between ages 20 and 65, the prevalence of hand eczema occasionally during the last year was found to be 11%.1 In the same study, 2% of 1385 patients investigated had suffered from hand eczema continuously for the last year, indicating that chronic hand eczema also is a prevalent condition. Chronic hand eczema is often of multifactorial etiology (exogenous as well as endogenous). Especially, this mixed etiology exists in pompholyx patients with a combination of atopy and contact allergy.2,3
Managing patients with hand eczema, including a correct relevant medical history work-up with epicutaneous testing, prevention, information to the patient, and deciding on the proper treatment among the available possibilities, is a constant challenge for practicing dermatologists. Often, assistance by subspecialists with a knowledge of occupational dermatology, including epicutaneous testing as well as experience in special treatments like UV treatment, is required.
