The Use of Narrow Band Ultraviolet Light B in the Prevention and Treatment of Postherpetic Neuralgia (a Pilot Study)

Overview

Journal Indian J Dermatol

Specialty Dermatology

Date 2011 May 17

PMID 21572791

Citations 2

Authors

Eman El Nabarawy

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

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 ofnarrow 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.

Citing Articles

Light-emitting diode phototherapy: pain relief and underlying mechanisms.

Zhang W, Wang X, Chu Y, Wang Y Lasers Med Sci. 2022; 37(5):2343-2352.

PMID: 35404002 DOI: 10.1007/s10103-022-03540-0.

Treatment of Postherpetic Neuralgia Using Narrow Band Ultraviolet B Radiation (UVB).

Brzezinski P, Cywinska E, Chiriac A Maedica (Bucur). 2017; 10(3):276-279.

PMID: 28261367 PMC: 5327833.

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