Phototherapy Rash

To anyone who can help:

I personally am suffering from atopic dermatitis. It was quite extensive, so i started on phototherapy. While under phototherapy, i continued to use steroid creams on the affected area. However, after the 2nd to 3rd phototherapy treatment (narrowband UVB) i found out that the affected areas seem to get better. However, the usually unaffected areas (my thighs, buttocks and lower back and belly) became itchy and bad rashes start to appear. I'm unable to schedule an appointment with my dermatologist in the coming 3 weeks to access the condition. From your experience, should i stop the phototherapy treatment immediately? Or will my skin get attuned to the light eventually (because the new affected areas are areas which are usually covered by cloths and sheltered from the sun)?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to dermatitis to the phototherapy. Although steroids, are commonly used for the treatment of atopic dermatitis, there are certain other agents also which are used like immune modulator drugs e.g. tacrolimus. These are available in the form of ointments and tend to prevent the recurrence. You can discuss with your dermatologist regarding the right use.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[Jaczel]

Hi, I am facing the exact same situation as u. I have been undergoing phototherapy for more than a year. As I got well, I stop for 3 mths and the restart again when it's starting to flare up. But on 2 episodes, 4 hrs after the phototherapy bad rashes started to appear on my torso. I am very helpless coz I really love how phototherapy helps to control my flare up.