Intrapatient comparison of 308-nm monochromatic excimer light and localized narrow-band UVB phototherapy in the treatment of vitiligo: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Limited data are available about the use of 308-nm monochromatic excimer light (MEL) and localized 311-nm narrow-band ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) in the treatment of vitiligo. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of 308-nm MEL versus localized 311-nm NB-UVB in vitiligo patients.

Methods: Eleven patients participated in this prospective intrapatient placebo-controlled randomized trial. In each patient, 3 lesions were selected and treated with NB-UVB, MEL and placebo during 24 sessions, respectively. Repigmentation was evaluated clinically and by objective surface measurement.

Results: Twenty percent of the lesions treated with NB-UVB achieved repigmentation scores above 50%. None of the lesions treated with MEL achieved a repigmentation higher than 50% after 24 sessions.

Conclusion: Localized 311-nm NB-UVB is effective in the treatment of vitiligo. It should be considered for localized vitiligo as it is easily accessible. In this study the efficacy of localized 311-nm NB-UVB was superior to 308-nm MEL.