Abstract
Background/aim Phototherapy is a safe and effective treatment modality for numerous dermatological conditions. Recently, targeted phototherapy modalities have gained importance due to their advantages over conventional phototherapy. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of targeted narrowband UVB phototherapy in patients with dermatological disorders.Materials and methods This single-center study included 173 patients who were treated with targeted narrowband UVB phototherapy. Demographic features, phototherapy parameters, and adverse effects were evaluated in all patients, and the treatment response was assessed in patients who attended at least one follow-up visit. Results A total of 173 patients (102 females; 71 males) with vitiligo, alopecia areata, lichen simplex chronicus, palmoplantar psoriasis, and psoriasis vulgaris were included in the study. Among 73 patients, with whom the treatment was finalized by physician, an excellent response was obtained in 10%, 52.9%, 53.8%, 28.6%, and 40% of patients with vitiligo, alopecia areata, lichen simplex chronicus, palmoplantar psoriasis, and psoriasis, respectively. The treatment was generally well tolerated and was discontinued in only two patients due to adverse effects.Conclusion This study demonstrates that targeted narrowband UVB therapy is a safe and effective treatment alternative, particularly for alopecia areata, lichen simplex chronicus, and palmoplantar and plaque-type psoriasis.
Highlights
Phototherapy is a safe and effective treatment method that utilizes ultraviolet radiation (UVR)
A total of 173 patients (102 females; 71 males) with vitiligo, alopecia areata, lichen simplex chronicus, palmoplantar psoriasis, and psoriasis vulgaris were included in the study
Among 73 patients, with whom the treatment was finalized by physician, an excellent response was obtained in 10%, 52.9%, 53.8%, 28.6%, and 40% of patients with vitiligo, alopecia areata, lichen simplex chronicus, palmoplantar psoriasis, and psoriasis, respectively
Summary
Phototherapy is a safe and effective treatment method that utilizes ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Phototherapy has an immunosuppressive effect on cutaneous T cells and cytokines, and it is used in the treatment of various dermatological conditions, including psoriasis, cutaneous T cell lymphoma, and vitiligo [1]. Microphototherapy or targeted phototherapy technologies have been developed. Targeted phototherapy has several advantages over conventional methods, such as not exposing healthy skin areas to UVR and shorter treatment durations; as a result, the inconvenience experienced by the patient lessens, and the patient satisfaction and adherence to treatment increases [2,3,4,5,6]. Several studies have investigated the efficacy of microphototherapy, for vitiligo and psoriasis [3,4,5].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
