The impact of phototherapy on itch intensity and itch‐related quality of life amongst different skin diseases, skin phototypes and genders – A prospective study with 102 patients

Abstract

BackgroundPhototherapy is a mainstay to treat itchy conditions. However, only little is known about differences in the antipruritic effect of phototherapy amongst different skin conditions, phototypes and genders.MethodsIn this prospective, single‐center study, we analyzed the effect of phototherapy on itch intensity and itch‐related quality of life amongst these subgroups after a treatment duration of 4 weeks, while on‐demand treatment with topical corticosteroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors and/or antihistamines was allowed.ResultsOf 102 patients (age 53.0 ± 18.7, 56 females [54.9%]), 72 (78.3%) reported a significant reduction of itch intensity by Δ −2.76 on a 0–10 Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), p = <.001, 95% CI [2.2; 3.3] paralleled by a significant improvement of itch‐related quality of life as measured by the German version of the ItchyQoL by Δ 7.3, p = <.001, 95% CI [4.4; 11.6]. The best improvement of itch intensity and itch‐related QoL was reported by patients with pruritus on non‐diseased skin (ΔNRS −3.5; Δ 9.7 Ger‐ItchyQoL points), followed by patients with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. We found no statistical differences in the response to phototherapy amongst Fitzpatrick phototypes I–VI. Women had higher itch intensities at baseline but itch‐related quality of life impairment at baseline and phototherapy treatment response did not significantly differ between genders.ConclusionPhototherapy appears to induce a meaningful itch reduction in various itchy skin conditions, all phototypes and both genders within 4 weeks that directly translates into improvement of itch‐related quality of life.