Long-term narrowband UVB phototherapy in vitiligo: Good results are correlated with a long period of continuous and constant therapy

Aim. The treatment of vitiligo remains a challenge. In literature various treatment modalities have been proposed. In the present study a long-term narrowband UVB (UVB-NB) approach to vitiligo is proposed in 25 patients. Methods. Treatment frequency was twice a week, on 2 non-consecutive days; treatment was continued for 1 year or discontinued earlier, in case of satisfactory or even complete repigmentation. Photographs of the body surface interested by vitiligo were taken before, during and after treatment; phototherapy responses were expressed as more than 75% repigmentation (group A); between 26% and 75% repigmentation (group B); less than 25% repigmentation (group C) and not responders (group D). Results. At the end of the study (12 months), 11 patients (44%) showed an excellent repigmentation (group A); 8 patients (32%) had a satisfactory good repigmentation (group B); 2 patients (8%) had an unsatisfactory response (group C), and 4 patients (16%) were not responders (group D). The best response was achieved by those patients who had recent vitiligo (100% of patients in group A and 70% of patients in group B). Conclusion. This study suggests that UVB-NB therapy represents a valuable and safe option for vitiligo and confirms that good results are correlated with a long period of continuous therapy; moreover, further improvement could be observed when UVB-NB therapy was prolonged till the end of the first year of treatment or more.