Work

Narrowband UVB Compared to Psoralen Associated with UVA or UVB in the Repigmentation of Vitiligo: A Systematic Review

Year: 2026

Type: review

Abstract: Background/Aims: This study aimed to undertake a systematic literature review to compare the effectiveness of narrowband UVB (nb-UVB) therapy with Psoralen + UVA (PUVA) or Psoralen + UVB treatments in individuals with vitiligo. Methods: A comprehensive search was executed across multiple electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS) and grey literature repositories (Google Scholar, LIVIVO, OpenGrey, ProQuest). Methodological quality was independently assessed by two reviewers employing the Cochrane RoB 2 tool; consensus was achieved through consultation with a third reviewer when necessary. The main efficacy endpoint was repigmentation. Results: From 4758 initial records, four randomized controlled trials that satisfied the inclusion criteria were identified. The aggregated results from these studies indicated that nb-UVB, either alone or combined with psoralen (P-nbUVB), produced better repigmentation outcomes compared to PUVA. Conclusions: Nb-UVB phototherapy demonstrated superior repigmentation efficacy, improved color matching, and a faster clinical response relative to PUVA. The addition of psoralen (P-nbUVB) further enhanced therapeutic outcomes, particularly in VASI scores and in areas typically less exposed to resunlight.

Source: Dermato

DOI: 10.3390/dermato6010005

Authors: Giulia de Lara Quagliotto, Nathalia Bakes Teodoro, Cristiane Buzanello Donin, Gladson Ricardo Flor Bertolini, Márcia Rosângela Buzanello

Institutions: Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná, Universidade Paranaense

Language: English

Topic: melanin and skin pigmentation

Subfield: Cell Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,207