Hydroa Vacciniforme: Treatment Options

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Questions and Answers

Why are controlled clinical trials important in evaluating the medical management of hydroa vacciniforme (HV)?

To provide anecdotal evidence that supports traditional treatment methods.
To reduce the cost and time associated with researching rare diseases.
To establish the true value of treatments and minimize bias through standardized testing. (correct)
To quickly determine the effectiveness of new medications without rigorous testing.

What is the primary focus of treatment for patients with hydroa vacciniforme (HV)?

Routine antiviral therapy with acyclovir.
Aggressive use of oral immunosuppressive medications.
Strict sun protection and avoidance strategies. (correct)
Prophylactic phototherapy with high-intensity ultraviolet A.

In the context of hydroa vacciniforme (HV) treatment, why should prophylactic phototherapy be administered with caution?

To ensure uniform exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
To increase the skin's natural production of vitamin D.
To avoid the risk of exacerbating the disease. (correct)
To maximize the potential for rapid skin thickening and desensitization.

How effective are topical steroids and calcineurin inhibitors in treating hydroa vacciniforme (HV)?

Generally ineffective. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What potential benefit has been observed in some hydroa vacciniforme (HV) patients through dietary changes?

Improvement reported with administration of dietary fish oil. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In patients with chronic EBV infection and hydroa vacciniforme, what antiviral medications have shown a potential benefit?

Acyclovir and valacyclovir, to reduce the frequency and severity of eruptions. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the cautious approach recommended when considering phototherapy for hydroa vacciniforme (HV)?

Start with minimal exposure to prevent disease exacerbation, especially with psoralen and ultraviolet A (PUVA). (A) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes hydroa vacciniforme (HV) treatment from other similar photosensitivity disorders regarding medication?

HV often proves refractory to many common treatments, requiring a focus on prevention. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What should patients with hydroa vacciniforme (HV) understand about the use of antimalarials?

The true value of antimalarials has not been established despite anecdotal reports of benefit. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why are avoidance strategies considered a critical component in managing Hydroa Vacciniforme (HV)?

Because HV is often refractory to medical treatments, highlighting prevention as the key strategy. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Antimalarials for Hydroa Vacciniforme (HV)

Antimalarials are sometimes used, but their effectiveness for HV is not well-established.

Antiviral Therapy for EBV-Associated HV

Acyclovir and valacyclovir may reduce the frequency and severity of eruptions in patients with chronic EBV infection.

Prophylactic Phototherapy for HV

Narrowband ultraviolet B or psoralen and ultraviolet A phototherapy may be helpful, but administer carefully.

Mainstay of HV Treatment

Counseling patients on strict sun protection and avoidance strategies is critical.

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Study Notes

Hydroa vacciniforme (HV) is often a refractory disease

Medications

Controlled clinical trials evaluating medical management of HV have not been performed
Antimalarials have occasionally helped, but their true value has not been established
Topical steroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors, and oral immunosuppressive medications tend to prove ineffective
In patients with chronic Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, antiviral therapy with acyclovir and valacyclovir may reduce the frequency and severity of eruptions
Improvement has been reported in isolated cases with administration of dietary fish oil

Procedures

Prophylactic phototherapy with narrowband ultraviolet B or psoralen and ultraviolet A may be helpful
Phototherapy must be administered with care to avoid disease exacerbation

Counseling

The mainstay of treatment relates to counseling regarding strict sun protection and avoidance strategies

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