Narrowband UVB Treatment in Patients With Vitiligo

Effects of Narrowband UVB Phototherapy on Melanocyte Proliferation in Patients With Vitiligo

The study offers narrowband UVB light therapy to patients who have 5% of their body involved with vitiligo.

The hypothesis is that Narrowband UVB promotes melanocyte proliferation in vitiligo lesions.

All patients will receive phototherapy, with narrowband UVB, three times a week for six months, or a total of 78 treatments. 6mm punch skin biopsies (2) will be done prior to starting therapy, once during treatment (2) and at the completion of the study (2). Clinical assessments and photography will be done parallel to the skin biopsies. Results (clinically and histologically) will be analyzed.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18 years of age or greater
• Vitiligo with extensive skin involvement (>5% body surface affected).

Exclusion Criteria:

• No treatment with topical steroids, calcineurin inhibitors or vitamin D analogs for at least 4 weeks prior to entering the study.
• No treatment with systemic therapies, including methotrexate, etretinate, PUVA, or cyclosporine 4 weeks prior to entering the study.