The efficacy of PUVA and narrowband UVB phototherapy in the management of generalised granuloma annulare

Generalised granuloma annulare (GGA) is a significant cosmetic issue for patients but evidence is lacking to guide optimum treatment. We reviewed our patients with GGA treated with PUVA and narrowband UVB (NBUVB). A telephone questionnaire obtained the patients' perspective in terms of treatment response, remission and overall satisfaction. Twenty patients, all female, were treated. Twelve patients had 15 courses of PUVA therapy (10 oral, 5 bath PUVA) and 10 had 12 courses of NB UVB (two patients had both). There was clearance or minimal residual disease (MRD) on clinical examination in eight of 12 patients after PUVA. Remission was for six months in seven patients extending to one year or more in five patients. Nine patients were contactable after PUVA therapy. They reported their satisfaction as excellent (n=1), very good (n=2) or good (n=4), and two were disappointed. There was clearance or MRD in seven patients treated with NBUVB. Remission was for six months in at least three patients and greater than 1 year in at least 2 patients. Eight patients were contactable and reported satisfaction as excellent (n=1) or good (n=5) and two were disappointed.PUVA and NBUVB were effective in at least half of patients and they achieved satisfactory remission. Patients' perceptions of the improvement after phototherapy were lower compared with their dermatologists' assessment.