Narrowband UVB Phototherapy Research Articles

Fototerapia en el prurigo nodular. Experiencia propia y revisión de la literatura

Background and objectivePrurigo nodularis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by highly pruritic nodular lesions that cause constant itching and scratching and significant quality-of-life impairment. It has been described in a range of conditions, including skin diseases (mainly atopic dermatitis) and metabolic, neurological, and psychiatric disorders. The pathophysiological mechanisms are largely unknown. Various modalities of phototherapy have been described as appropriate and safe treatments for achieving clinical control and alleviating symptoms. In this article, we describe our experience with phototherapy in patients with prurigo nodularis. Material and methodsRetrospective observational study of patients who received their first cycle of phototherapy to treat prurigo nodularis between March 2011 and October 2019. Information was collected on epidemiological and clinical characteristics, concomitant treatments, type and duration of phototherapy, maximum dose reached, and response to treatment. ResultsWe studied 44 patients (30 women and 14 men) with a median age of 65.5years. The most common form of phototherapy used was narrowband UV-B phototherapy (34 cycles, 77.27%) followed by a combination of UV-B and UV-A phototherapy (8 cycles). Response to treatment was considered satisfactory (clearance rate of ≥75%) in 24 patients (55.4%). ConclusionsPhototherapy is a suitable treatment for prurigo nodularis in a considerable proportion of patients. It can be used as monotherapy or combined with other treatments.

Potential of luminescent materials in phototherapy.

Phototherapy is the use of light in the treatment of skin diseases that show improvement upon exposure to natural sunlight or man-made lamps. Artificial phototherapy treatments like Narrow band UVB (NB-UVB) phototherapy, Photochemotherapy by UVA (PUVA) and Targeted phototherapy are safe and widely used for several skin diseases like psoriasis, vitiligo, acne vulgaris, mycosis fungoides etc. Photodynamic therapy (PDT), a specialized phototherapy involves use of efficient photo sensitizers and optical radiations for the treatment of cancer and various other medical maladies. Efficacy of these treatments depends on proper selection of a phototherapy lamp which is decided by the wavelength of light emitted by the luminescent material present in it. These luminescent materials on account of their unique luminescence features of portability, power efficiency, lesser heat generation and durability find widespread application in bioassay and therapy. Here, we have discussed about the potential of various luminescent materials for phototherapy on the basis of their photoluminescence behaviour and also tabulated their application for various dermatoses. A few more luminescent materials are discussed in view of current developments in phototherapy and bioscience.

Successful treatment of progressive macular hypomelanosis.

Progressive Macular Hypomelanosis (PMH) is a common but often misdiagnosed disorder of acquired hypopigmentation. An adolescent female presented with irregular, hypopigmented patches ultimately diagnosed as PMH. Complete repigmentation was achieved with narrowband UVB phototherapy, benzoyl peroxide wash, and clindamycin lotion.

Epidermal carotenoid levels in vivo of patients with plaque psoriasis: Effects of narrow-band UVB phototherapy.

Psoriasis is a systemic inflammatory disease characterized by hindered antioxidant defense and increased formation of free radicals. There are limited data on the skin carotenoids in psoriatic skin as well as their modulation during narrow-band UVB (NB-UVB) phototherapy of the disease. The aim of this prospective study is to reveal the skin carotenoids levels during NB-UVB phototherapy of psoriasis in humans. Twenty Caucasian subjects with mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis (15m; 5f) were enrolled in the study, and nine gender- and age-matched healthy volunteers were recruited for controls of oxidative stress measurements. All psoriasis patients underwent 10 sessions of NB-UVB phototherapy. Measurements were taken at baseline and after 10 sessions of NB-UVB phototherapy. The assessment of carotenoid levels in the skin in vivo was performed by a non-invasive, reflectance spectroscopy-based device. Psoriasis severity was assessed by psoriasis area and severity index (PASI). The dermatology life quality index (DLQI) was evaluated in psoriatic patients. Baseline carotenoid levels were significantly lower in psoriasis patients in comparison to healthy controls. NB-UVB phototherapy insignificantly diminished carotenoid levels in the skin of psoriasis patients, while clinical improvement both in PASI score and DLQI was observed. We showed the levels of skin carotenoids in psoriatic patients are lower than in healthy subjects. NB-UVB did not change significantly skin carotenoid levels. Further studies should elucidate the potential effect of antioxidants supplementation during NB-UVB of psoriasis.

Consensus on the treatment of vitiligo – Brazilian Society of Dermatology

BackgroundVitiligo is a muco-cutaneous, autoimmune, localized, or disseminated disease, which manifests through hypochromic or achromic macules, with loss in quality of life. The prevalence of vitiligo in Brazil was determined to be 0.54%. There is no on-label medication for its treatment. To date, no Brazilian consensus on the treatment of vitiligo had been written. ObjectivesThe objective of this group of Brazilian dermatologists with experience in the treatment of this disease was to reach a consensus on the clinical and surgical treatment of vitiligo, based on articles with the best scientific evidence. MethodsSeven dermatologists were invited, and each was assigned two treatment modalities to review. Each treatment (topical, systemic, and phototherapy) was reviewed by three experts. Two experts reviewed the surgical treatment. Subsequently, the coordinator compiled the different versions and drafted a text about each type of treatment. The new version was returned to all experts, who expressed their opinions and made suggestions for clarity. The final text was written by the coordinator and sent to all participants to prepare the final consensus. Results/ConclusionThe experts defined the following as standard treatments of vitiligo: the use of topical corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors for localized and unstable cases; corticosteroid minipulse in progressive generalized vitiligo; narrowband UVB phototherapy for extensive forms of the disease. Surgical modalities should be indicated for segmental and stable generalized vitiligo. Topical and systemic anti-JAK drugs are being tested, with promising results.

The effect of narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy on antinuclear antibody status: A case-control study.

Narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy has become a widely used, standard treatment modality in dermatology. The effect of 8-methoxypsoralen plus ultraviolet A on antinuclear antibody (ANA) formation has been investigated extensively, but there are very scarce data about the potential risk of NB-UVB phototherapy inducing production of ANAs. The aims of this study were evaluation of ANA status before and after NB-UVB treatment and comparison of ANA status with the healthy control group. Phototherapy unit database was used to identify patients who had received whole body NB-UVB treatment. Analyses of ANA were performed twice in the study group that were before initiation of the NB-UVB phototherapy and after cessation of the therapy. Also, ANAs were screened in the control group. A total of 95 patients (50 males and 45 females; mean age: 43.03±13.40) treated with NB-UVB radiation and 90 age- and sex-matched controls were included in the study. Thirteen patients (13.7%) were found to develop ANAs at the end of the treatment. ANA positivity was significantly more common in patients after phototherapy than in patients before phototherapy and than in the control group. None of the patients in the positive ANA group was diagnosed with any connective tissue diseases. This study revealed that ANA positivity increased after NB-UVB phototherapy. However, it did not provide evidence for increased connective tissue disease risk. Therefore, ANA might not need to be routinely checked before treatment unless the patients have signs and symptoms indicating autoimmune diseases.

Effects of autologous micrografts on stable bilateral vitiligo: A focus on hand lesions.

Vitiligo is an autoimmune skin disorder characterized by depigmented patches of the skin associated with, among several factors, dysregulation and death of melanocytes. Currently, the treatment of vitiligo is based both on the arrest of the progression of active disease and on the stimulation of the skin repigmentation. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of autologous micrografts and narrowband ultraviolet B (NBUVB) phototherapy for skin repigmentation of patients with bilateral stable vitiligo. Autologous micrografts are derived from mechanical disaggregation of small pieces of the patient's own skin, while phototherapy is a strategy treatment already used. Twenty patients with stable bilateral vitiligo were treated, showing a mean percentage rate of 59.1% at baseline. Combined treatment by autologous micrografts and NBUVB was performed only on the lesions of the hands, and the clinical follow up was performed after 3 and 6months by photographs taken under Wood's light. After 6months, we classed 100% of patients as responders. We also reported a mean of repigmentation rate of 36.7% after 3months and 64.6% after 6months of treatment. In particular, six of the 20 patients reached a marked repigmentation rate (75-100%), four moderate (51-75%) and 10 mild (26-50%). No adverse effects were observed and no drugs were administrated as co-adjuvant therapy. These results are suggestive of a potential wide use of autologous micrografts associated with NBUVB phototherapy for the treatment of stable vitiligo.

Decreased risk of major osteoporotic fracture after long-term narrowband ultraviolet B light phototherapy in patients with vitiligo: An 11-year nationwide propensity score–matched study

Background: Narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy is widely used for the treatment of vitiligo and chronic inflammatory skin disorders. In addition to its therapeutic effects in skin disorders, NB-UVB phototherapy has been shown to increase the serum vitamin D concentration. Objectives: This study investigated the incidence of major osteoporotic fractures in patients with vitiligo after NB-UVB phototherapy. Methods: A nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study was conducted using the Korean National Health Insurance claims database (2007-2017). The study included patients who had undergone ≥ 100 phototherapy sessions (Phototherapy group) or < 3 phototherapy sessions (No phototherapy group). Using 1:2 propensity score matching, the groups were matched for age, sex, and insurance type, and for comorbidities. Results: The overall risk of osteoporotic fracture was significantly lower in the Phototherapy group compared to the No phototherapy group (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.745, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.602-0.921). In subgroup analyses, the risk was significantly lower in the female and older age groups. Conclusion: The risk of major osteoporotic fractures was lower in patients with vitiligo treated with long-term NB-UVB phototherapy.

Both cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events are decreased following long-term narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy in patients with vitiligo: a propensity score matching analysis.

Systemic effects of long-term narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy have not been well studied in vitiligo patients. An 11-year nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study was conducted using the Korean National Health Insurance claims database (2007-2017). To investigate the effects of long-term NB-UVB phototherapy on the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in vitiligo patients. This study included vitiligo patients with ≥100 phototherapy sessions (phototherapy group, n=3229) and <3 phototherapy sessions (no phototherapy group, n=9687), in which covariables with age, sex, insurance type and comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia were matched by 1:3 propensity score matching. The outcomes of interest were cardiovascular (ischaemic heart disease and myocardial infarction) and cerebrovascular events (cerebrovascular infraction and haemorrhage). Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the associations between NB-UVB phototherapy and each event. The risk of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events was significantly decreased in the phototherapy group compared with the no phototherapy group [hazard ratio (HR) 0.637, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.523-0.776]. Subgroup analysis revealed that the risk of cardiovascular (HR: 0.682, 95% CI: 0.495-0.940) and cerebrovascular events (HR: 0.601, 95% CI: 0.470-0.769) were significantly lower in the phototherapy group than the no phototherapy group, respectively. Our findings suggest that long-term NB-UVB phototherapy could decrease the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in patients with vitiligo.

Dermoscopic and Clinical Response Predictor Factors in Nonsegmental Vitiligo Treated with Narrowband Ultraviolet B Phototherapy: A Prospective Observational Study

IntroductionFew data on possible local factors that can influence the achievement of response in nonsegmental vitiligo (NSV) treated with narrowband ultraviolet B (Nb-UVB) phototherapy are available. Our objective is to evaluate possible correlations between therapeutic outcomes and dermoscopic and local (lesional) clinical findings of vitiligous lesions undergoing Nb-UVB phototherapy to find positive and/or negative response predictor factors to such treatment.MethodsFor each target patch, we calculated the extension area using a computer-aided method and assessed dermoscopic and local (lesional) clinical findings at baseline. After 30 phototherapy sessions (twice weekly), surface area of the lesions was reevaluated to assess clinical improvement, correlating the therapeutic outcome with initial clinical and dermoscopic features.ResultsA total of 70 lesions were finally included in the study. At the end of therapy, 18 patches (25.7%) achieved improvement, and the presence of perifollicular pigmentation on baseline dermoscopic examination was found to be associated with a 12-fold higher probability of having a positive therapeutic outcome. Similarly, face localization was also correlated with clinical amelioration, with a sevenfold higher probability for improvement. No association (p > 0.05) between therapeutic outcomes (either good or poor) and other dermoscopic or local clinical variables (including leukotrichia) was observed.ConclusionsTherapeutic response of vitiligo to Nb-UVB phototherapy may be positively affected by local features of the lesions, i.e., face localization and presence of perifollicular pigmentation on baseline dermoscopic examination, which might be considered as positive response predictor factors to optimize treatment of vitiligo.

First step in a new era for treatment of patients with vitiligo

First step in a new era for treatment of patients with vitiligo

Narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy combined with topical treatment for vitiligo in 2 geriatric patients

Background : Narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) become the mainstay of widespread vitiligo therapy due to its great efficacy and safety compared with other modalities. The use of NB-UVB for vitiligo has been widely studied in adult patients, while studies on geriatric patients specifically are still very limited. This report aims to show the immediate response after the initial treatment , side effects of therapy, and other problems that were encountered during therapy in two geriatric patients with vitiligo who have been followed up for more than 12 months. Case Illustration : We reported two geriatric patients with vitiligo treated with NB-UVB phototherapy combined with topical treatment for more than 12 months. The first patient was 68-year-old woman, with Fitzpatrick skin type IV, who had vitiligo on her face, both lower arms and hands, and both legs and feet. The second patient was a 61-year-old man with Fitzpatrick skin type IV who had generalized vitiligo. The first repigmentation occurred on the 5 th session in the first patient and on the 6 th session in the second patient, using a cumulative dose of 1223 mJ/cm 2 and 1541 mJ/cm 2 , respectively. Discussion : After NB-UVB phototherapy, there was a great improvement on the face in both patients, followed by the trunk and legs. However, the duration of treatment needed to achieve homogeneous repigmentation is longer in geriatric patients than in the general population. Conclusion : NB-UVB was well tolerated and showed good clinical response to treat vitiligo in the elderly. However, little is known about the safety and efficacy of phototherapy in elderly patients with vitiligo. &nbsp; Keywords: Geriatric, narrowband, phototherapy, therapy, vitiligo

636 Narrowband UVB (311nm) phototherapy maintains its high efficacy in psoriasis throughout repetitive treatment cycles

In contrast to systemic agents, phototherapy is administered intermittently in the treatment of psoriasis. At least for systemic agents (such as biologics), there is a concern that after treatment interruption, restarting treatment may lead to a weaker therapeutic response compared to that of after initial treatment (e.g. due to formation of neutralizing antibodies). In this study, we analyzed the efficacy of narrowband UVB (311nm) phototherapy (NB-UVB) under daily life conditions in patients who had received one or more phototherapy cycles.

Clinical, Dermoscopic and In-Vivo Reflectance Confocal Microscopy Evaluation of a Case of Graham Little-Piccardi-Lassueur Syndrome Successfully Treated with Narrowband-UVB Phototherapy.

Graham Little-Piccardi-Lassueur syndrome (GLPLS) is a rare variant of lichen planopilaris, characterized by a triad of clinical signs including follicular spinous papules on the body area, scarring alopecia of the scalp and non-scarring alopecia of the groin and/or axilla. To date, fewer than 50 cases have been described in the literature. We first report a case of GLPLS investigated with non-invasive techniques such as dermoscopy and in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) and successfully treated with narrowband-UVB (NB-UVB) phototherapy.

A study to compare the efficacy and safety of narrow band-UVB alone as well as in combination with topical calcipotriol in patients with psoriasis vulgaris

Psoriasis is a complex disease that requires carefully designed therapy in order to achieve sustained remission. The disease can be effectively controlled by various therapeutic options, used alone or in combination. Phototherapy may be combined with topical or systemic agents to achieve higher clearance rates, longer disease free intervals and a lower carcinogenic risk. The combination of NB-UVB with calcipotriol increases the therapeutic efficacy of phototherapy as well as UVB reduces the irritation caused by calcipotriolThe chief purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of Narrow Band-UVB alone and in combination with topical calcipotriol in patients with psoriasis vulgaris.Patients with chronic plaque type psoriasis of 100 numbers involving less than 20% of body surface area were randomly allocated to any one of the following 2 groups. Group A- Narrow Band UVB phototherapy. &amp; Group B- Narrow Band UVB with topical calcipotriol ointmentIn group A (NB-UVB), the mean baseline PASI score was 12.1 and the mean PASI score at the end of 12 weeks was 2.54. There was 79% reduction in PASI score at the end of 12 weeks. 31 patients showed good response and 13 patients showed more than 70% clearance.When NB-UVB group was compared with NB-UVB and calcipotriol combination group, there was a significant difference (p&amp;#60;0.05) in PASI scores at 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 12 weeks.Further studies with additional numbers of patients are essential to compare the efficacy and safety of Narrow Band-UVB alone as well as in combination with topical calcipotriol in patients with psoriasis vulgaris

Effect of Narrowband-UVB Phototherapy Treatment on Total Ferroxidase Activity and Ceruloplasmin Oxidase Activity in Sera of Iraqi Vitiligo Patients

Vitiligo is an acquired pigmentary disorder in which white depigmented macules and patches of skin appear on different parts of the body, affecting all ages and both sexes equally. Focal, segmen-tal, generalized and universal are considered the most characteristic patterns of vitiligo. One of the most effective treatment of this disorder is using light therapy, and in particular ultraviolet (UV) light. Among them narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy (NB-UVB) is the most widely used. Oxidative stress is considered to be one of the possible pathogenic events in melanocyte loss. Imbalance in the oxidant/antioxidant system have been demonstrated in blood of vitiligo patients. To demonstrate the safety of using NB-UVB phototherapy treatment in vitiligo Iraqi patients. Patients with vitiligo group were treated with NB-UVB regimen as three times weekly on non- consecutive days for a total of 20 sessions (about 2 months). Total ferroxidase (activity and specific activity), ceruloplasmin concentration, ceruloplasmin oxidase (activity and specific activity) and serum copper were determined in all participants before and after NBUVB phototherapy. The above biochemical parameters were measured in serum samples of 30 vitiligo patients before and after treatment with the narrow band UVB phototherapy. NB-UVB treatment was found to be associated with a significant reduction in copper ion concentration, but no significant differences in total ferroxidase (activity and specific activity), ceruloplasmin oxidase (activity and specific activity), and ceruloplasmin concentration. The present results provide evidence which support using narrow band UVB phototherapy as a safe method for vitiligo treatment.

A Randomized Controlled Trial with a Medical Device Containing Sodium Hyaluronate and Nicotinic Acid to Increase the Efficacy of Ultraviolet Phototherapy in Psoriasis.

IntroductionThe dry and scaly skin of psoriatic patients decreases the efficacy of ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy. Different agents are used to facilitate the transmission of light, but most of these preparations are cosmetically unfavorable. We have tested a novel preparation containing sodium hyaluronate and nicotinic acid (UV Fotogel®; Pernix Ltd.) with the double aim to improve the efficacy of UVB phototherapy and assess the cosmetic acceptability of the preparation.MethodsNinety patients with plaque psoriasis were enrolled in the study, of whom 44 received narrow-band UVB (NB-UVB) phototherapy. Prior to phototherapy, one side of the patient’s body was treated with UV Fotogel while the other side served as a control. The other 46 patients used the preparation at their homes before regular sunbathing. The Local Psoriasis Severity Index (L-PSI), cosmetic acceptability and tolerability were recorded. The median values with the 25th and 75th percentiles (25p and 75p, respectively) were determined for the UV Fotogel-treated and control sites and then compared.ResultsThe sides of the body to which UV Fotogel was applied prior to NB-UVB phototherapy had a significantly lower median L-PSI score than the non-treated control sides at the end of the treatment (1.0 [25p–75p: 0.0–2.0] vs. 2.0 [1.0–3.0], respectively). The application of UV Fotogel prior to sunbathing also led to a significant decrease in L-PSI score. There was a significant reduction in the median L-PSI score of patients at the final visit compared to baseline (2.5 [25p–75p: 1.5–3.5] vs. 6.0 [6.0–7.0], respectively). Use of the preparation was not accompanied by considerable adverse effects, and the patients found it cosmetically acceptable. Application of UV Fotogel prior to sunbathing was well tolerated by the patients, and the cosmetic acceptability was also good.ConclusionUV Fotogel is potentially a useful device for enhancement of the efficacy of phototherapy in patients with psoriasis.

Effect of narrow-band ultraviolet B phototherapy, methotrexate, and combined narrow-band ultraviolet B phototherapy with methotrexate on serum cathelicidin and vitamin D in patients with psoriasis vulgaris

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of narrow-band ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy, methotrexate, and combined NB-UVB phototherapy with methotrexate in the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris and to assess their effects on serum cathelicidin and vitamin D. Methods This study was conducted on 60 patients with psoriasis vulgaris. They were divided into three groups (20 patients each); Group (A) was treated with NB-UVB phototherapy. Group (B) was treated with methotrexate. Group (C) was treated with combined NB-UVB phototherapy with methotrexate. Patients were assessed with Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI score), serum cathelicidin and vitamin D at the first visit and after three months of treatments. Results The highest mean PASI score percent improvement was reported in the combined NB-UVB phototherapy with methotrexate (92%). There was a significant increase in serum vitamin D after treatments with NB-UVB phototherapy and combined NB-UVB phototherapy with methotrexate (p < .001). There was a significant decrease in cathelicidin after three months of treatment with combined NB-UVB phototherapy with methotrexate (p < .01). Conclusion This study could contribute to the hypothesis considering the role of cathelicidin and vitamin D in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. The combined NB-UVB phototherapy with methotrexate had the highest clinical improvement of psoriasis vulgaris.

Photoadaptation to ultraviolet B TL01 in psoriatic patients

In the biologic era, narrow-band ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy still remains a valuable, effective, inexpensive, safe anti-psoriatic treatment. Patients can lose response to NB-UVB over time due to photoadaptation. This phenomenon is the tendency of the skin to respond to ultraviolet (UV) exposure by undergoing changes that may result in a decreased future response to an equivalent dose of radiation, thus leading to the need for an increased exposure during phototherapy course. To characterize and quantify the determinants of photoadaptation in NB-UVB treated psoriatic patients. We enrolled 57 adult patients with moderate plaque psoriasis. Patients underwent 24 sessions of NB-UVB phototherapy delivered thrice a week. Dosing was started with 70% of the minimal erythema dose (MED) with percentage-based dose increments every two treatments. MED as well as change in the erythema and melanin index (MI) were measured at baseline and at the end of phototherapy course. Moreover, an adaptation factor (AF) was calculated for each patient. Adaptation factor was not influenced by both baseline MED and skin type. We found a weak correlation between higher cumulative dosages and the initial MED (Spearman's rho=0.32, P=0.0154) as well as with the mean initial MI (Spearman's rho=0.25, P=0.0624, statistically borderline). Clearance and mean number of treatments were correlated (Spearman's rho=0.48, P<0.001). Photoadaptation is a physiological skin response that negatively influences NB-UVB responsiveness and is not predictable by the baseline MED and skin type. Thus, starting with more aggressive protocols and increasing rapidly dosage progression to prevent AF may increase NB-UVB response.

The necessity of antinuclear antibody investigation in pre-phototherapy vitiligo patients: A retrospective study.

Narrowband UVB (NBUVB) phototherapy is the cornerstone treatment for vitiligo. Before its initiation, some experts recommend antinuclear antibody (ANA) screening out of concern for either photosensitivity to NBUVB or autoimmune disease exacerbation during treatment. As vitiligo is considered an autoimmune disorder, ANAs can be positively found in the disease without any clinical importance. The necessity for ANA investigations for pre-phototherapy vitiligo patients is therefore questioned. We conducted a retrospective study to investigate vitiligo patients who had been checked for ANA before commencing NBUVB phototherapy. Demographic data-including vitiligo type and age of onset-were collected. Samples of ANA, anti-thyroglobulin, and anti-thyroid peroxidase were obtained. The phototherapy treatment protocol and cutaneous reactions to the phototherapy were also recorded. Among 85 Thai vitiligo patients, the ANA prevalence was 35.3%. The speckled ANA pattern was the most common, and the large majority of patients (80%) had a titer of ≤1:100. Factors associated with positive ANA were female gender and positive anti-thyroglobulin. There were no statistical differences between the phototoxic reactions or phototoxic doses of NBUVB of the ANA-positive vitiligo and ANA-negative vitiligo groups. No cases of SLE were detected in ANA-positive group. ANA positivity was not correlated with the incidence or dose of phototoxic reaction in phototherapy treated vitiligo, and it may not a predictive factor for SLE diagnosis in vitiligo. ANA might therefore not need to be routinely checked in pre-phototherapy in vitiligo, unless there are clinical suspicions of an autoimmune disease. However, ANA might be involved in part of the cutaneous photoadaptation response to phototherapy.