A prospective observational study on the efficacy of narrowband UVB phototherapy combined with oral antioxidants in the management of vitiligo.

Dr. Gopinath  Mogilicherla; Dr. Swapna  Narayana; Dr. R. Meenakshi

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i12.2229

Authors

Dr. Gopinath Mogilicherla Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Gandhi Medical College, Secunderabad, Telangana, India.
Dr. Swapna Narayana Civil Surgeon Specialist, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Government General Hospital, Nalgonda, Telangana, India
Dr. R. Meenakshi Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Government Medical College and General Hospital, Nalgonda, Telangana, India.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i12.2229

Keywords:

Vitiligo, Narrowband UVB, Oral antioxidants, Repigmentation, Vitiligo Area Scoring Index, Phototherapy

Abstract

Background:
Vitiligo is a chronic depigmenting disorder, often requiring prolonged therapy due to slow and variable repigmentation. Narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) is an established treatment approach, and interest has grown in combining it with oral antioxidant supplementation to enhance melanocyte recovery and reduce oxidative stress.

Aim:

To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of NB-UVB phototherapy combined with oral antioxidants in patients with vitiligo.

Methods:

This prospective observational study included 50 clinically diagnosed vitiligo patients. All participants received NB-UVB phototherapy three times weekly, along with a daily oral antioxidant regimen, for 24 weeks. Demographic and clinical parameters were recorded. Repigmentation was assessed using the Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI) at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks. Treatment response was categorized as excellent (>75%), moderate (50–75%), mild (25–49%), or minimal (<25%). Adverse events were documented throughout the study period.

Results:

The mean age of participants was 28.6 ± 9.4 years, with females comprising 56% of the cohort. Non-segmental vitiligo accounted for 74% of cases. The mean baseline VASI score was 6.8 ± 2.1, which reduced progressively to 4.3 ± 1.9 at 12 weeks and 2.7 ± 1.6 at 24 weeks. Excellent repigmentation was achieved in 28% of patients, moderate in 36%, and mild in 24%, while 12% showed minimal improvement. Facial and truncal lesions responded better compared to acral sites. Treatment was well tolerated, with only mild transient erythema and pruritus reported.

Conclusion:

NB-UVB combined with oral antioxidants resulted in meaningful repigmentation with good safety and patient acceptance.

Recommendations:

This combination may be considered as a preferred therapeutic strategy in the routine management of non-segmental vitiligo, especially when aiming for gradual yet sustained repigmentation.

Author Biographies

Dr. Gopinath Mogilicherla, Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Gandhi Medical College, Secunderabad, Telangana, India.

is an Associate Professor in the Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy at Gandhi Medical College, Secunderabad. He completed his MBBS from Gandhi Medical College in 2005 and obtained his MD in Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy from Osmania Medical College in 2013. Over the years, he has been actively involved in clinical practice, teaching, and research, with a focus on improving patient care and mentoring postgraduate trainees. His academic interests include inflammatory dermatoses, infectious skin diseases, and dermato-surgical techniques. He has contributed to scientific publications and continues to participate in academic activities, conferences, and professional development initiatives.ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-5479-9380

Dr. Swapna Narayana, Civil Surgeon Specialist, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Government General Hospital, Nalgonda, Telangana, India

completed her MBBS from Kakatiya Medical College, Warangal (2000–2006), and obtained her MD in Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy from SVS Medical College, Mahabubnagar (2012–2015). She is currently working as a Civil Surgeon Specialist (Dermatology) at District Hospital, Nalgonda. Her clinical work spans the diagnosis and management of a wide spectrum of dermatoses, with a strong emphasis on evidence-based care and patient counselling. She is also involved in teaching and guiding junior colleagues in dermatology practice.ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-2068-5919

Dr. R. Meenakshi, Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Government Medical College and General Hospital, Nalgonda, Telangana, India.

Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy (DVL), Government Medical College & General Hospital, Nalgonda, Telangana, India. She obtained her MBBS degree from Osmania Medical College and pursued an MD in Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy from Kakatiya Medical College, Warangal. She joined GMC/GGH Nalgonda as an Assistant Professor in October 2023. Her academic interests include clinical dermatology, dermatosurgery, and medical education.ORCID iD:https://orcid.org/0009-0001-2327-2004

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