The role of psoralen photochemotherapy (PUVA) in the treatment of severe atopic eczema in adolescents.

Fifteen adolescent children with severe, persistent atopic eczema were treated with oral psoralen photochemotherapy (PUVA). This resulted in initial clearance of eczema in 14 of the 15 children, nine of whom achieved a remission. Apart from its effectiveness, a major benefit of this therapeutic approach was that it was associated with resumption of normal growth in children who were previously growing poorly, either as a direct result of severe eczema or its treatment. Nevertheless, against the considerable advantages of PUVA for this group of patients have to be balanced the possible hazards, because relatively high exposures are required in some individuals, both initially to induce clearance and subsequently to maintain it.