Narrow band ultraviolet B for the treatment of generalized lichen planus.

OBJECTIVE

Although various treatment options have been used in the treatment of lichen planus (LP), it is still challenging to choose the most effective one. Scarce data are available in the literature examining efficacy of NB-UV in the treatment of LP. Thus, we aimed to evaluate efficacy of NB-UVB for LP.

METHODS

Twenty-four patients with generalized LP who received NB-UVB treatments in between January 2011 and December 2014 were included in the study. Response types were classified into three groups which complete response refers to ≥90% reduction in the number of the lesions; partial response 51-89%; and no response ≤50%.

RESULTS

Sixteen patients responded to the NB-UVB treatment [5 partial (20.8%) and 11 complete (45.8%) remissions], whereas 8 patients (33.3%) did not respond to the treatment. A number of sessions and accordingly cumulative dose of UVB were significantly higher in responded group than in non-responders. When we compared these two groups according to duration of the disease, there was no significant difference.

CONCLUSIONS

Two-thirds of patients with generalized LP favorably responded to NB-UVB treatment without any remarkable adverse events. This significant response rate coupled with safety should prompt further clarification of the place of NB-UVB in generalized LP.