Treatment of localized vitiligo with targeted broadband UVB phototherapy: a pilot study

• Published in: Photodermatology, photoimmunology & photomedicine Vol. 22; no. 3; pp. 133 - 136
• Main Authors: Asawanonda, Pravit, Charoenlap, Marisa, Korkij, Wiwat
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.06.2006; Blackwell
• Subjects: Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Dermatology; Erythema - etiology; Female; Humans; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Pigmentary diseases of the skin; Pilot Projects; Skin Pigmentation - radiation effects; targeted UVB; ultraviolet; Ultraviolet Rays; Ultraviolet Therapy - adverse effects; Ultraviolet Therapy - methods; vitiligo; Vitiligo - therapy; Skin disease; Ultraviolet radiation; Vitiligo; Pigmentation disorder; Treatment; Dermatology; UVB radiation; targeted UVB; ultraviolet; Localized; Phototherapy
• ISSN: 0905-4383; 1600-0781
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0781.2006.00217.x

Background: Narrowband ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy and 308 nm excimer laser have produced encouraging therapeutic results for vitiligo. Repigmentation of various degrees was obtained in different studies. Materials and methods: Twenty‐nine vitiliginous lesions from six patients were treated with targeted, broadband UV‐B phototherapy. UV fluences were started at 50% of the minimal erythema dose, then increased gradually. Treatments were carried out twice weekly for 12 weeks. Results: Some degree of repigmentation occurred in all subjects. Responses varied among the different anatomic locations, with acral lesions achieving the least improvement. Onset of repigmentation was as early as 3 weeks of treatment in some subjects. Treatments were well tolerated, with only minimal erythema and hyperpigmentation. Limitations: This study was carried out in a smaller number of patients with skin types III and IV. The irradiation device was a broadband UVB device, and thus the results may not be similar to those obtained from a more monochromatic system such as an excimer laser. Conclusions: Targeted broadband UVB is an efficacious and safe modality for the treatment of localized vitiligo.