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Group makes recommendations for phototherapy treatment of vitiligo

The Vitiligo Working Group has made a set of recommendations regarding the use of narrowband ultraviolet B light for the treatment of vitiligo.

“Treatment of vitiligo with narrowband ultraviolet B light is an important component of the current standard of care,” the authors wrote. “However, there are no consistent guidelines regarding the dosing and administration of [narrow band ultraviolet B light] in vitiligo, reflected by varied treatment practices around the world.”

During three conference calls, the Vitiligo Working Group Phototherapy Committee addressed 19 questions regarding phototherapy administration. The questions focused on frequency and dosing, dose adjustment, maintenance and follow-up, safety and adjunct therapies. It also administered a survey based on the questions, which was distributed to members of the Photomedicine Society and 10 phototherapy experts.

The committee developed a set of expert recommendations for the administration of [narrowband ultraviolet B light] after comparison and analysis of survey results, expert opinion and committee discussions.

Limitations of the study included that no standardized methodology was used during literature review and to measure the evidence strength, the authors wrote.

“Although [narrowband ultraviolet B light] forms the backbone of vitiligo treatment, no consistent protocols of its administration exist,” the researchers concluded “In this study, we created broadly applicable expert recommendations to assist dermatologists in the treatment of [narrowband ultraviolet B light] phototherapy. However, these are only guidelines. Ultimately, all treatment decisions must be based on agreement between a patient and the managing physician.”  – by Bruce Thiel

Disclosure: Mohammad reports being a subinvestigator for Allergan, Ferndale Laboratories and Estee Lauder. Please see the full study for a list of other researchers’ relevant financial disclosures.