Heliotherapy and Narrow-band UVB Improve Vitamin D Balance

The objective of the study was to compare Bacillus subtilis sporefilm dosimeters with a Robertson Berger UV meter (RB meter)and diary records for assessing personal UV-B doses during a 13-day heliotherapy (HT) for atopic dermatitis (AD). In addition,the relationship between the personal UV-B dose and change inserum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) was studied. Altogether21 adult patients with AD completed the study arranged in theCanary Islands, either in January or March 2005. The spore filmdosimeters were used throughout the day during the HT. Serum25(OH)D was analyzed using radioimmunoassay. The meanpersonal UV-B dose measured with the dosimeters was 75 SEDin January and 131 SED in March. The respective results gainedfrom the RB meter combined with diary records were 63 SEDand 119 SED showing a close correlation with the dosimeterresults. Serum 25(OH)D concentration increased by9.7 nmol L in January and by 26.0 7 nmol L in March.The increase in serum 25(OH)D correlated with the UV-B dosereceived. The patients complied well to use the dosimeters. Weconclude spore films to be a feasible and reliable personal UVdosimeter in vivo in field conditions.