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Vitiligo, NB-UVB and tacrolimus: our experience in Naples

Baldo A1, Lodi G, Di Caterino P, Monfrecola G.

Abstract

AIM:

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of narrowband UVB (NB-UVB) compared with tacrolimus 

ointment 0.1% in patients with bilateral vitiligo.

METHODS:

In this comparative study, four groups of patients were randomized. Each group was composed by 12 patients with bilateral 

vitiligo; in each group, every patient was irradiated with NB-UVB (length: 311 nm) twice a week for 9 months and applied 

tacrolimus ointment 0.1% twice a day on the other area in the same period. Before starting therapy and after 3, 6 and 9 

months of therapy, a clinical and photographic evaluation of percentage of repigmentation was performed and Dermatology Life 

Quality Index Questionnaire was fulfilled.

RESULTS:

A repigmentation at least partial occurred in 71% of patients after 36 weeks of treatment with tacrolimus ointment 0.1%; in 

the whole sample, 14 patients (29%) showed no repigmentation at all, with 2 of them discontinuing the therapy because of side 

effects (erythema and folliculitis-like manifestations). A homogeneous repigmentation at least partial occurred in 69% of 

patients after 36 weeks of treatment with NB-UVB; in the whole sample 15 patients (31%) showed no repigmentation at all, with 

1 of them discontinuing the therapy because of side effects.

CONCLUSION:

The present study confirmed that the efficacy of NB-UVB phototherapy in vitiligo is comparable to tacrolimus ointment 0.1% 

therapy. On the basis of our study, we may suggest tacrolimus ointment 0.1% as an alternative to NB-UVB therapy for treating 

vitiligo.

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