Narrow-band ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) therapy, which was first used in vitiligo in 1997 by Westerhof and Nieuweboer-Krobotova, has emerged as one of the safest and most effective therapy for this dermatosis.

Is narrowband UVB safe for vitiligo?

Narrow-band ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) therapy, which was first used in vitiligo in 1997 by Westerhof and Nieuweboer-Krobotova, has emerged as one of the safest and most effective therapy for this dermatosis.

Does UVB work for vitiligo?

nbUVB (Narrow-band ultraviolet light B): nbUVB is currently the most successful treatment for patients with vitiligo. It is largely safe when administered correctly, but requires a time commitment as it is most often performed in a dermatologist’s office 2-3x per week.

Can vitiligo be treated with PUVA or NB UVB?

Phototherapy, including psoralen–UV-A (PUVA) and narrowband UV-B (NBUVB) therapy, constitutes the principal treatment modality for generalized vitiligo, whereas excimer laser therapy and various topical agents are used to treat localized disease.

Is UVA or UVB better for vitiligo?

Narrow-band UVB (NB-UVB) is currently the preferred treatment over topical psoralen and ultraviolet A radiation (PUVA), for patients with vitiligo. However, overall response of vitiligo to NB-UVB has been variable. Ultraviolet A1(UVA1) phototherapy is now useful for a variety of skin diseases, specifically scleroderma.

How long does it take for UVB treatment to work for vitiligo?

It could take one to three months before you notice any change, and it could take six months or longer to get the full effect. Given the FDA warning regarding possible risk of skin cancer with use of calcineurin inhibitors, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using these drugs with phototherapy.

Does light therapy help vitiligo?

An increasing number of studies show that light therapy is one of the most effective vitiligo treatments. The UV radiation from light therapy triggers vitamin D production in the body, which can result in re-pigmentation of the skin.

How long does it take for light therapy to work for vitiligo?

Light therapy. You’ll need therapy two to three times a week. It could take one to three months before you notice any change, and it could take six months or longer to get the full effect.

Is there any hope for vitiligo?

No treatments can cure vitiligo. For most people, the goal of treatment is to stop vitiligo from spreading and to bring color back to affected areas of skin. The existing treatments can help, but it is rare for them to make vitiligo go away permanently.

What is narrow-band UVB phototherapy?

Narrowband UVB is the most common form of phototherapy used to treat skin diseases. “Narrowband” refers to a specific wavelength of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, 311 to 312 nm. UVB phototherapy was formerly provided as a broadband source (290 to 320 nm).

Does light therapy work for vitiligo?