Efficacy of Narrow-Band UVB Phototherapy in Vitiligo Patients

Park, Jung Hun; Kim, Hyun Jin; Lee, Mu Hyoung

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The treatment of vitiligo requires several months of treatment and often results in disappointing outcomes. Recently, narrow band UVB phototherapy has been reported to be an effective and safe therapeutic option in patients with vitiligo. OBJECTIVE: We attempted to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of narrow band UVB phototherapy in vitiligo patients. METHODS: In an open trial, thirteen vitiligo patients were treated twice weekly with narrow band UVB phototherapy for at least six months. The degree of repigmentation was divided into 4 categories(below 25%, 26-50%, 51-75%, and above 75%). The disease activity by history was scored by means of the "vitiligo disease activity score (VIDA score)" before and 12 months after therapy. RESULTS: In the majority of the patients(85%), more than 25% repigmentation was observed. More than 75% repigmentation was seen in 7 patients(54%). The disease activity, as represented by VIDA scores, was significantly decreased after narrow band UVB therapy(P<0.05). Adverse effects were mild erythema and pruritus in 4 patients. CONCLUSION: According to our results, narrow band UVB phototherapy is an effective therapy which is convenient and safe in vitiligo patients.