PUVA and PUVB in vitiligo – are they equally effective?

Abstract

The use of psoralen plus broadband UVB is as effective as PUVA in the treatment of vitiligo. However, the long-term side effects of psoralen plus UVB are unknown.

Topical Tacrolimus and the 308-nm Excimer Laser

“…1,2 The first line of nonsurgical therapy includes topical corticosteroid therapy and phototherapy (solar exposition, psoralen-UV-A therapy, and narrowband UV-B [NB-UV-B] therapy). [3][4][5] However, to our knowledge, no treatment provides truly satisfactory results.…”

Treatment of vitiligo by 308‐nm excimer laser: An evaluation of variables affecting treatment response

“…People affected by vitiligo have a vast reduction of quality of life, caused by the color contrast between healthy pigmented skin and the depigmented vitiligo patches, which may cause psychological problems to the patients [1,2]. First line of non-surgical therapy includes topical corticosteroid therapy and phototherapy (solar exposition, PsoralenþUVA (PUVA), narrowband UVB (NB-UVB)) [3][4][5]. Thanks to its relatively good efficacy and its excellent tolerance, the NB-UVB is now considered as the best treatment for extensive vitiligo vulgaris.…”

Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Vitiligo

“…Adding UVB to psoralen plus UVA (PUVA) phototherapy is an option for inducing a tremendous treatment response in vitiligo (Mofty et al, 2001). Similarly, exposure to sunlight (UVB and UVA), after eating or applying photosensitizing or reactive herbal medicines can cause such a strong photochemical reaction, phototoxicity, or other adverse event that can actually be used to treat vitiligo.…”