<p>Home phototherapy for patients with vitiligo: challenges and solutions</p>

Abstract

Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune condition involving selective dysfunction and destruction of melanocytes in the skin, hair, or both. The typical presentation is well-demarcated depigmented skin patches. Given vitiligo is the most common cause of depigmentation worldwide and early disease responds best to treatment, prompt diagnosis and proactive management of vitiligo are critical. While a wide variety of treatments has demonstrated variable effectiveness in treating vitiligo, phototherapy remains standard of care because of its proven efficacy and favorable side effect profile. However, many patients with vitiligo are unable to access affordable, consistent, or convenient phototherapy. To address these issues, home-based phototherapy has emerged as a patient-centered alternative. The purpose of this review is to discuss management of vitiligo with a specific focus on access to home-based phototherapy (HBPT) for patients with this condition. Key challenges to HBPT include misperceptions around safety and efficacy, inadequate physician education and training, insurance and financial barriers, and appropriate patient selection. Solutions to these challenges are presented, such as approaches to improve physician education and increasing the evidence surrounding the effectiveness and safety of this treatment for vitiligo. In addition, various practical considerations are discussed to guide dermatologists on how to approach HBPT as a treatment option for patients with vitiligo.

Ultraviolet diagnostic and treatment modalities in the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic

“…36 , 37 In other countries, such as the USA, home phototherapy is available and should be considered as an option. 38 In regions that offer phototherapy in many locations, reintroduction of phototherapy may initially be more centralized to reduce patient travelling. Peripheral centers should plan to restart phototherapy when possible.…”

An Update on Narrowband Ultraviolet B Therapy for the Treatment of Skin Diseases

“…HBPT can be delivered in the form of booths and hand or foot unit devices with timers to prevent overexposure to UV light. HBPT has been shown to increase treatment compliance and may serve as a more cost-effective utilization of healthcare resources [ 5 , 6 ].…”

Pigmentation Effects of Kaliziri Standard Extracts on Melanocytes, C57BL/6 mice of Hydroquinone- Induced and Guinea Pigs of Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Hyperpigmentation Model

“…Vitiligo is a depigmentation disorder involving selective dysfunction and destruction of melanocytes, leading to loss of melanin in the skin and hair [4] .…”