Comparison of the efficacy of broad-band targeted UVB phototherapy and topical psoralen with targeted UVA phototherapy in localized vitiligo

Abstract

Aim of the study is to compare efficacy of targeted broad-band UVB phototherapy and topical psoralen with targeted UVA phototherapy treatments in localized vitiligo for 3 months prospectively. The cases with symmetrical vitiligo lesions were included in the study. Broad-band targeted UVB was applied on one side and targeted UVA phototherapy with topical psoralen on the other side. Twenty-two patients who were diagnosed with localized vitiligo were enrolled in this study. These cases consisted of 6 (27.3%) females and 16 (72.7%) males aging between 17 and 69 (34.22 ± 14.15). Fifty-four lesions (27 left, 27 right) were compared for treatments. After the first month of the treatments, the sides of the lesions were compared in order to evaluate improvement. Percentages of success were 25% for targeted broad-band UVB microphototherapy and 75% for topical psoralen with targeted UVA microphototherapy. When the two treatment methods were com pared with each other, a significant difference was found in terms of treatment response (P = .017). At the end of the third month, the success rates were 37.5% for targeted broad-band UVB microphototherapy and 62.5% for topical psoralen with targeted UVA microphototherapy, however a statistically significant differ ence was not determined between the two treatments (P > .05). Both targeted broad-band UVB phototherapy and topical psoralen with targeted UVA phototherapy provided repigmentation for localized vitiligo at the end of the third month. Our investigation shows that both treatments are safe and they provide repigmentation with a limited response.