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Narrowband UVB Phototherapy Underused for Pediatric Vitiligo

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on April 8, 2025.

By Lori Solomon HealthDay Reporter

TUESDAY, April 8, 2025 -- Narrowband UVB (nbUVB) phototherapy may be underutilized in pediatric vitiligo, according to a study published online March 18 in Pediatric Dermatology.

Kristin A. Tissera, from Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, and colleagues evaluated nbUVB phototherapy in pediatric vitiligo through an online patient and caregiver survey to better understand patient experiences and barriers to care in this population.

Based on 111 survey responses, the researchers found that 51.4 percent were offered nbUVB and 45.1 percent used nbUVB for treatment of vitiligo before age 18 years. Not being offered nbUVB (36.1 percent), difficulty attending appointments (11.5 percent), and satisfaction with the current skin condition (11.5 percent) were the primary reasons for not pursuing nbUVB.

"Our results indicate high patient interest that outpaces the use rate of nbUVB in pediatric vitiligo," the authors write. "Almost half of respondents were not offered nbUVB. While this may reflect a lack of availability, feasibility, or access, further examination of physician perspectives regarding nbUVB may also be warranted. Addressing obstacles to access is crucial for improving treatment outcomes and quality of life."

Several authors disclosed ties to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.

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Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.

© 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

Posted April 2025

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