Narrow-band UVB as a Tool of Vitiligo Treatment

Background: Many modalities of treatment for vitiligo have been elucidated and yet the treatment of vitiligo remains to be a challenge. Objective: The purpose of this article is to review our results and experiences with narrow-band ultraviolet B phototherapy for vitiligo. Method: We studied 9 patients with vitiligo who received narrow band UVB phototherapy for 6 months in our department. This is a retrospective analysis of our experiences and results. Results: Nine patients were able to be evaluated for the purpose of this analysis. Their ages ranged from 6 to 68 years(mean, 18.4 years). Six patients of 9 patients achieved more than 75% repigmentation with a mean of 25 sessions of phototherapy. The remaining three patients had 50%, 40% and 30% repigmentation after 44, 40, and 45 sessions of phototherapy, respectively. Adverse effects were mild. Conclusion: Narrow-band UVB is a useful and well-tolerated therapy for vitiligo in comparsion with other therapies.