title: Exploring the gaps in the evidence-based application of narrowband UVB for the treatment of vitiligo.
abstract: While narrowband ultraviolet light B (NB-UVB) has become integral to the treatment of diffuse vitiligo, evidence-based guidelines have been lacking with regard to dosing and administration. This is largely the result of heterogeneous study designs, ambiguous methodologies, disparate dosing strategies, and the use of varied, and somewhat arbitrary, outcome measures. In the absence of prospective trials to address each of these concerns, the available literature regarding the application of NB-UVB for vitiligo was reviewed and the authors now pose a set of questions to the phototherapy community in an attempt to highlight gaps within our understanding. We aim to stimulate discussion, elicit expert opinion, and identify areas for future research to move toward a unified and safe treatment guideline for patients afflicted by this disease.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA.
authors.forename: Lauren M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Madigan
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA.
authors.forename: Mohammed
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Al-Jamal
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA.
authors.forename: Iltefat
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Hamzavi
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays; D014467:Ultraviolet Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D014820:Vitiligo / Q000628:therapy*
keywords: narrowband UVB; phototherapy; ultraviolet light B; vitiligo