Efficacy of Skin Microneedling in Combination with Narrow Band - Ultraviolet B Phototherapy in Vitiligo

Abstract

Background: Vitiligo is a chronic cutaneous disease characterized by milky white depigmented patches that leave psychological impact on the patient's quality of life. New treatment modalities have been developed to shorten the duration of treatment of vitiligo with the least side effects. Objective: To evaluate the safety & efficacy of microneedling in combination with narrow band-UVB in the treatment of vitiligo. Patients and Methods: This study included 20 patients with stable vitiligo. They were treated by microneedling (one session every 2 weeks) in combination with narrow band-UVB (3 sessions weekly) for 3 months. Results: The studied patients reported statistically significant degree of clinical improvements as follow;10%reportedgoodimprovement, 25% showe dmoderate improvement, 45% showed mild improvement and 20% showed noimprovement,after3months therapy. The reported side effects were minimal and transient in the form of minor pain, burning sensation and erythema at site of microneedling that disappeared spontaneously within few hours. Conclusion: Microneedling in combination with narrow band-UVB phototherapy could be considered as effective treatment of vitiligo. Microneedling is a tolerable technique, harmless with negligible side effects.