A PRELIMINARY CLINICAL STUDY OF THE EFFECTS AND SAFETY OF 308NM EXCIMER LIGHT TREATMENT ON ATOPIC DERMATITIS PATIENTS

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common skin disease and, depending on its severity, can have a significant impact on the quality of life of affected individuals. In case of severe AD, systemic immune-modulating agents can be considered for treatment. However, the available treatment option range for moderate AD is much nar-rower. According to previously published reports, 308nm excimer light can potentially be used as part of an effective treatment for localized lesions of moderate AD. We aimed to assess the clinical effect and safety of 308nm excimer light in Korean adults with AD. This study included patients in South Korea over 19 years of age; confirmed to have AD by a dermatologist; and had bilateral, symmetric, eczematous lesions. The symmetrical lesions of each patient were treated as intervention-control pairs. 308nm excimer light treatment was applied to the intervention side lesion twice a week for 4 weeks. Eczema severity, trans-epidermal water loss and epidermal capacitance were measured. A total of 25 subjects was enrolled in the study. After the first visit, 2 subjects with-drew, and the remaining 23 subjects completed the study in full. There was a statistically significant improvement in the change in AD severity in the intervention group over time compared to the control group. There was also an improvement of skin barrier function compared to the control group. We conclude that there is preliminary evidence for 308nm excimer light to be considered a treatment option that helps to improve symptoms and skin barrier function of moderate localized AD.