The use of narrow band ultraviolet light B in the prevention and treatment of postherpetic neuralgia (A pilot study)
Background: Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a common complication of herpes zoster that is frequently unresponsive to most of the available treatment modalities. Broad band ultraviolet B radiation (UVB) has a well-known anti-inflammatory effect. Moreover, it decreases neural damage and cutaneous ner...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
2011-01-01
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| Series: | Indian Journal of Dermatology |
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| Online Access: | http://www.e-ijd.org/article.asp?issn=0019-5154;year=2011;volume=56;issue=1;spage=44;epage=47;aulast=El-Nabarawy |
| Summary: | Background: Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a common complication of herpes zoster that is frequently unresponsive to most of the available treatment modalities. Broad band ultraviolet B radiation (UVB) has a well-known anti-inflammatory effect. Moreover, it decreases neural damage and cutaneous nerve density. It was found that broad band UVB might have a role in the prevention and treatment of PHN. Aim: This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of narrow band UVB (nbUVB) in the treatment PHN. Patients and Methods: The study included 17 patients with distressing post herpetic neuralgia. Patients were evaluated using the Verbal Rating Scale (VRS). The patients received nbUVB sessions, three times a week, for a total of 15 sessions or until the pain disappeared. Patients were followed up for a period of 3 months after the end of therapy. Results: Using intention to treat analysis, more than 50% improvement was achieved in 6 (35.29%) and 8 (47.06%) patients, at the end of therapy and after 3 months follow up, respectively. An improvement less that 50% was achieved in 11 (64.71%) and 9 (52.94%) patients, at the end of therapy and after 3 months follow up, respectively. The pain severity assessed by the VRS significantly improved both at the end of sessions (P = 0.005) and after 3 months follow up (P = 0.005). Conclusion: nbUVB may be of beneficial use in the treatment of PHN. Limitation: Small number of patients and limited follow-up period. |
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| ISSN: | 0019-5154 1998-3611 |