A comparative study of combined microneedling and narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy versus their combination with topical latanoprost in the treatment of vitiligo

Abstract Regardless of the continuous discovery of innovative modalities for the treatment of vitiligo, none of them ensure excellent therapeutic outcome. Microneedling had been suggested either singly or concomitantly with other therapeutic modalities for vitiligo with encouraging results. Latanoprost, a prostaglandin F2‐alpha (PGF2α), and their analogues are recently recommended for vitiligo treatment. This study was designed to assess the therapeutic efficacy of microneedling in combination with NB‐UVB phototherapy versus their combination with latanoprost in vitiligo. It was conducted on 50 patients presented with stable bilateral localized nonsegmental vitiligo. In every patient; two bilateral, nearly symmetrical lesions were selected and treated by microneedling (12 sessions at 2‐week interval) followed by topical application of latanoprost 0.005% solution on one side, and topical saline (as placebo) on the other side. In addition, all patients received concomitant NB‐UVB phototherapy (three sessions/week) for 6 months. Significant clinical improvement of vitiligo lesions with significant increase in the degree of repigmentation were reported in response to both treatment regimens. Latanoprost in combination with microneedling and NB‐UVB provides more significant therapeutic outcomes than combined microneedling and NB‐UVB. In conclusion, topical latanoprost 0.005% enhances the therapeutic efficacy of combined microneedling and NB‐UVB phototherapy in localized stable nonsegmental vitiligo.