Vitiligo Treatment: Narrow Band UVB vs. PUVA

PUVA (Psoralin with Ultra Violet A) and narrow band UVB (Ultravoilet B) are both very popular forms of photo therapy for vitiligo. And both have their own potential for successful re-pigmentation. A study (Published in Journal Watch Dermatology June 1, 2007) has compared the effect of both in a randomized double blind trial. The results have demonstrated that improvement was more rapid, more extensive and cosmetically more acceptable with narrow band UVB than with PUVA.

Percentage of area showing improvement was 20% in the PUVA group, and 50% in UVB. Color of the re-pigmented skin also matched better with the native skin color in UVB group than the PUVA treated group. The authors have concluded that Narrow band UVB is a safe and effective method of treatment in vitiligo patients.