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

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.