Narrow-band ultraviolet B is a useful and well-tolerated treatment for vitiligo

Background: The treatment of vitiligo remains a challenge. Objective: The purpose of this article is to review our results and experie nce with narrow-hand ultraviolet (UV) B phototherapy for vitiligo. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of our experience and results wit h patients with vitiligo who were treated with narrow-bald UVB between Nove mber 1998 and November 1999. Narrow-band WE phototherapy was given as monot herapy 3 times a week. The starting dose was 280 mJ/cm(2), with 15% close i ncrements at each subsequent treatment. Results: Seven patients were able to be evaluated for the purposes of this analysis. Their ages ranged from 19 to 59 years (mean, 37.6 years). Three p atients had Fitzpatrick skin phototype IV and V and 4 had phototypes II and III. Five of the 7 patients achieved more than 75% repigmentation with a m ean of 19 treatments; the mean duration of disease was 13 months. The remai ning two patients had 50% and 40% repigmentation after 46 and 48 treatments , respectively. Their mean duration of disease was 132 months. Adverse effe cts were mild erythema acid pruritus. Conclusion This treatment protocol resulted in rapid repigmentation in many patients, including those with skill phototypes IV and V. In accordance wi th precious studies, this report indicates that narrow-band UVB is a useful and well-tolerated therapy for vitiligo.