Therapeutic evaluation of UVB-targeted phototherapy in vitiligo that affects less than 10% of the body surface area

Type:Uv phototherapy Time:2014-12-23 11:07:24

Therapeutic evaluation of UVB-targeted phototherapy in vitiligo that affects less than 10% of the body surface area.

BACKGROUND:

Current treatments for vitiligo include different therapeutic modalities, such as corticosteroids, immunomodulators, pseudocatalase, skin grafts, diverse types of phototherapy [ultraviolet B (UVB), psoralen plus UVA (PUVA), narrow-band UVB (NB-UVB)], and, recently, targeted phototherapy. After a literature search, we found only two studies using different targeted broad-band UVB units for the treatment of vitiligo.

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the repigmentation response induced with broad-band, UVB-targeted phototherapy used as monotherapy in patients with vitiligo affecting less than 10% of the skin surface.

METHODS:

Twelve patients were recruited for treatment with 30 sessions of UVB-targeted phototherapy administered twice weekly. The assessment of repigmentation was made from a comparison of baseline photographs with those after 30 sessions by two independent investigators. Morphometric analysis was performed using a computer program.

RESULTS:

Repigmentation with an average of 66.25% was obtained on lesions of the face, and of 31.5% on the neck, trunk, and genitalia. On the extremities, there was no repigmentation. Itching, a burning sensation, erythema, desquamation, and transitory hyperpigmentation were observed in some patients. Minimal blistering and ulceration were observed in one patient.

CONCLUSION:

Targeted UVB phototherapy seems to be effective for the repigmentation of vitiligo in lesions located on the face, to a lesser degree on the trunk, and with no response in acral lesions; there were minimal adverse effects that did not require discontinuation of treatment.

Welsh O1, Herz-Ruelas ME, G��mez M, Ocampo-Candiani J.

www.kerneluvb.com----The leader manufacturer of UV Phototherapy.