Phototherapy of HIV-associated eosinophilic folliculitis preliminary results

Background. Eosinophilic folliculitis human immunodeficiency virus associated (EF-HIV), actually considered as a well defined clinical entity, is a skin disease whose therapeutic approach is still controversial. Up to now many therapies have been employed with non univocal results. The purpose was to test phototherapy effectiveness, in a correctly classified and studied group of patients with EF-HIV. Materials and methods. A retrospective study was performed in five male patients who underwent phototherapy in the period 1994-1997. During the treatment none of the patients was taking any medications for pruritus. The ultraviolet light sources employed had an emission spectrum in both the UVB and UVA range. Two or three sessions were performed weekly. The total doses of ultraviolet radiation administered ranged from 8.6 to 338 J/cm² (mean total dose: 89.13 J/cm²). Results. In 3 cases therapy effectiveness was evaluated as marked (>70% in decreasing pruritus and in disappearing skin lesions); in 1 case as mild (