Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Dermatology and Venerology

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic allergic disorder whose treatment is still a challenge. The staphylococcal skin load has been previously shown to aggravate AD. Narrow band ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) and glycerol in low concentration (20-40%) are established therapies for AD. Narrow band-UVB has been clinically proven to have antimicrobial actions and high concentration glycerol (85-100%) has been proven in vitro to have similar effects but hasn{u2019}t been clinically tested. Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of glycerol (85%) compared to NB-UVB in patients with atopic dermatitis, as assessed by clinical improvement and reduction of staphylococcal colonization of the skin. Patients and methods: 15 apparently healthy controls and 30 mild-moderate atopic dermatitis patients were enrolled in this study, recruited from Kasr Alainy dermatology outpatient clinic. Patients were randomly divided into 2 therapeutic groups: Group A (glycerol 85%): included 15 patients, each applied topical glycerol for 4 weeks. Group B (NB-UVB): included 15 patients. Every patient received 12 sessions of narrow band UVB (3 sessions per week) over 4 weeks. Swabs were taken from the skin and nose of both patients and controls to be cultured on selective media (mannitol-salt agar) for Staphylococci and quantified to determine colony forming units (CFU). Evaluation of response at end of therapy (4 weeks) was assessed using SCORAD and colony counts. Results: Both groups showed statistically insignificant microbial changes and statistically significant clinical improvement after treatment with no statistical difference between both groups

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