ABSTRACT
Vitiligo is a common disorder with a severe impact on quality of life. The authors review recent advances in phototherapy for vitiligo focusing on narrowband ultraviolet B including mechanisms, treatment recommendations, and combination therapies. Phototherapy is the first-line treatment of choice for vitiligo with narrowband UVB preferred for widespread vitiligo and excimer used for localized lesions. However, unfamiliarity with prescribing phototherapy may be limiting clinicians from using it to its full potential. This article provides clinicians with the critical information needed to safely and effectively provide phototherapy for their patients with vitiligo.
Subject(s)
Phototherapy/methods , Vitiligo/therapy , Humans , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Pigmentary disorders are common and can be very distressing to patients. There is a need for better, standardized therapies. The authors review the most recent data for topical, systemic, light, and laser treatments for vitiligo, melasma, and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. There is a paucity of large-scale, well-designed, randomized, controlled trials for these treatments. Treatment options are often drawn from smaller trials and case series. The treatments described in this article are promising candidates for larger follow-up studies.
Subject(s)
Dermatologic Agents/therapeutic use , Janus Kinase Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Pigmentation Disorders/therapy , Antifibrinolytic Agents/therapeutic use , Bimatoprost/therapeutic use , Humans , Hydroquinones/therapeutic use , Inflammation , Keratinocytes/transplantation , Lasers, Solid-State/therapeutic use , Low-Level Light Therapy , Melanocytes/transplantation , Melanosis , Skin Lightening Preparations/therapeutic use , Sunscreening Agents/therapeutic use , Tranexamic Acid/therapeutic use , Vitiligo/therapy , alpha-MSH/analogs & derivatives , alpha-MSH/therapeutic useABSTRACT
Solar urticaria (SU) is an uncommon photodermatosis that presents with sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) or visible light which triggers urticarial lesions. Treatment of SU is a challenge and usually involves antihistamines and photoprotection as a first-line treatment. Phototherapy regimens are recommended if these first-line treatments fail to control the disease. Induction of tolerance by phototherapy (UV hardening) has been commonly described as a treatment modality. UVA1 has deeper penetration to the dermis than UVA or NB-UVB; its use in SU has not been previously reported. We present 3 patients with SU who were successfully treated with UVA1.