Clinical Studies

Eleftheriadou and colleagues (2014) noted that hand-held NB-UVB units are light-weight devices that may overcome the need to treat vitiligo in hospital-based phototherapy cabinets, allowing early treatment at home that may enhance the likelihood of successful re-pigmentation.

Zhu et al (2023) noted that vitiligo is an autoimmune disease and some guidelines for the management of vitiligo encouraged the use of NB-UVB combination therapies to enhance re-pigmentation.  In a systematic review and network meta-analysis, these researchers compared the effectiveness of current NB-UVB combination regimen at the improvement in re-pigmentation.  They searched the electronic […]

Lee and associates (2016) noted that systemic corticosteroids have been used to arrest the progression of vitiligo; however, side effects have been a constant issue.  In a retrospective study, these researchers examined the efficacy and side effect of oral mini-pulse (OMP) therapy with methylprednisolone (MPD) combined with narrow-band ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) for adults with non-segmental […]

Khemis and colleagues (2020) noted that scientific rationale and encouraging first clinical results suggested the interest of using apremilast for treating vitiligo.  In a 52-week, prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study, these researchers compared the efficacy of apremilast in combination therapy with narrow-band ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) versus placebo and NB-UVB treatment for re-pigmentation in patients with non-segmental […]

Gianfaldoni and colleagues (2018a) stated that despite the numerous therapies of proven efficacy available for vitiligo treatment, new unconventional drugs had been introduced for the correction of cutaneous disease in the last decades.    Capecitabine is an oral prodrug of fluorouracil, used in the treatment of metastatic colon and breast cancers.  It has been reported […]

In a meta-analysis, Dang et al (2016) examined the effect of topical calcineurin inhibitors as monotherapy or combined with phototherapy for vitiligo treatment. These investigators searched the MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane central register of controlled trials databases for articles published prior to September 2014.  A total of 13 studies were included in the meta-analysis.  After […]

Grimes et al (2013) noted that many recent studies have demonstrated defects in the melanocortin system in patients with vitiligo, including decreased circulating and lesional skin levels of α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH).  Afamelanotide is a potent and longer-lasting synthetic analog of naturally occurring α-MSH.  These investigators described the preliminary results of 4 patients with generalized […]

Wong and Lin (2013) stated that topical calcineurin inhibitors (e.g., pimecrolimus and tacrolimus) are indicated for the treatment of atopic dermatitis, but they have been studied in many off-label uses.  These investigators reviewed the English language literature to define their roles in treatment of vitiligo.  Double-blind studies showed that tacrolimus 0.1 % ointment combined with […]

In a double-blind randomized study, Yones et al (2007) compared the effectiveness of oral PUVA with that of narrowband-UVB (NB-UVB) phototherapy in patients with non-segmental vitiligo.  A total of 56 patients received twice-weekly therapy with PUVA or NB-UVB.  The change in body surface area affected by vitiligo and the color match of repigmented skin compared […]

A number of recently published studies have demonstrated that narrow-band UVB is an effective treatment for vitiligo, and compares favorably to UVA and psoralens (e.g., Westerhof, 1997; Njoo et al, 2000; Scherschun et al, 2001).  Unlike PUVA, narrow-band UVB does not involve the use of sensitizing agents.  Narrow-band UVB is typically administered 2 to 3 […]

Feldman et al (2002) reported on a multi-center study of the excimer laser involving 124 patients with stable mild-to-moderate plaque-type psoriasis; 32 of whom dropped out of the study before completing the course of treatment.  Patients were scheduled twice-weekly for a total of 10 treatments.  Seventy-two percent of patients who completed the treatment course achieved […]

Asawanonda et al (2000a) reported on a dose-response study involving 13 patients with psoriasis plaques.  Varying numbers of excimer pulses were delivered at fixed doses with a range of fluences from sub-erythemogenic to supra-erythemogenic.  Lesions remained in remission with as few as a single high fluence (up to 16 times the minimal erythemogenic dose (MED)) […]

An evidence-based analysis on “Ultraviolet phototherapy management of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis” (Medical Advisory Secretariat, 2009) noted that there are a range of contraindications for UVB phototherapy and for PUVA. Both treatments have contraindications including any history of light sensitivity disorders (i.e., lupus erythematosus, porphyria, cutanea tarda, xeroderma pigmentosum etc.), melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, aphakia, and/or […]

Brazzelli et al (2012) stated that mastocytosis represent a heterogeneous group of stem cell disorders marked by an abnormal hyperplasia and accumulation of mast cells in one or more tissues, including bone marrow, gastro-intestinal (GI) tract, liver, spleen, lymph nodes and skin. Indolent systemic mastocytosis (ISM) is characterized by red-brownish and pruriginous maculopapular lesions, a […]

Khafagy and associates (2013) compared the effectiveness of PUVA versus NB-UVB in the treatment of chronic urticaria (CU). A total of 24 patients with CU were included and divided into 2 groups: 12 patients subjected to PUVA and 12 subjected to NB-UVB.   12 patients subjected to PUVA and 12 subjected to NB-UVB.  They were compared […]

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) states that “topical agents form the mainstay of treatment in psoriasis and all other treatment modalities are often used with concomitant topical therapy. Emollients increase the transmission of UV radiation by altering the optical properties of psoriatic skin lesions and improving therapeutic efficacy. Application of a thin layer of […]

Veith et al (2011) noted that phototherapy is used for the medical care of cutaneous conditions that do not respond to topical or systemic medical agents, and for conditions that require broad exposure to UV as a stabilizing agent for disease. Numerous wavelengths and delivery devices of UV light are used in childhood. This article […]

Pugashetti and colleagues (2010) noted that BB-UVB phototherapy has demonstrated effectiveness in the treatment of cutaneous disorders including psoriasis, AD, uremic pruritus and idiopathic pruritus. In the last decade, there has been a rapidly escalating process of replacing BB-UVB phototherapy units with NB-UVB equipment, as studies have demonstrated that NB-UVB (ranging from 311 mm to […]

Gambichler et al (2005) provided an update on clinical experiences in NB-UVB of non-psoriatic skin conditions, and established its current position within the spectrum of competing photo(chemo)therapeutic options. The computerized bibliographic database PubMed, without time limits, and other sources were screened for clinical trials on NB-UVB. Included were research articles of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), […]

Samson et al (2003) reviewed the evidence regarding NB-UVB for the treatment for vitiligo, pruritus, and inflammatory dermatoses. This was a retrospective review of the treatment outcomes of 117 consecutive patients with vitiligo, pruritus, and other inflammatory dermatoses, excluding those with psoriasis and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), who were treated with NB-UVB between 1998 and […]