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Targeted Broadband UVB Phototherapy forthe Treatment of Localized Vitiligo
Jeong Eun Kim1, Hyo Hyun Ahn1, Young Chul Kye1
1Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Anam Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
Background:
Several new treatments appear to have higher success rates than previous therapies for the treatment of vitiligo, and targeted phototherapy is an alternative that may prove to be time-efficient and an effective therapeutic option for the management of this condition.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of targeted broadband UVB phototherapy for the treatment of localized vitiligo.
Methods:
Fifty-three vitiliginous patches on thirty-five patients (16 males, 19 females) were treated using a targeted broadband UVB phototherapy device. Treatment was started at 70% of the minimal erythema dose, and then gradually increased. Lesions were treated twice a week for a maximum of 60 treatment sessions.
Results:
Subjects tolerated treatment well. Forty-one of the fifty-three patches (77.4%) achieved repigmentation on ≤75% of the treated areas. Best results were obtained on the face and neck; 20 of the 24 patches (83.3%) concerned achieved ≤75% repigmentation. The least response was on the hands and feet; 3 of 6 patches (50%) showed ≤75% repigmentation. The results were better for focal type than segmental type vitiligo.
Conclusion:
Targeted broadband UVB phototherapy appears to be highly effective at restoring pigmentation in patients with localized vitiligo.
