NB-UVB Safe and Effective for Childhood Psoriasis and Vitiligo: Study Finds

For this purpose, the researchers analyzed the phototherapy records of children under 17 who received NB-UVB treatment between January 2013 and June 2023. The study included 108 patients, 58 (53.7%) were females and 50 (46.3%) males, and an average age of 12.6.

The following were the key findings of the study:

• The most commonly treated conditions were psoriasis vulgaris (37.9%), vitiligo (33.3%), and guttate psoriasis (11.1%).
• The average duration of phototherapy was 5.88 months, ranging from 0.5 to 20.5 months.
• The mean cumulative phototherapy dose was 29.0 J/cm², with psoriasis vulgaris receiving 25.7 J/cm², vitiligo 41.2 J/cm², and guttate psoriasis 16.8 J/cm².
• There was a positive response in 91.7% of patients, with minimal side effects.
• Mild and temporary side effects like erythema, itching, and burning were reported in 18.5% of patients but did not impact treatment.
• Additional phototherapy sessions were not required in 67.6% of patients, and 72.2% did not experience disease recurrence.

"NB-UVB phototherapy has been established as a safe and effective treatment for pediatric skin conditions, particularly psoriasis and vitiligo, which can have a profound impact on a child's psychological well-being," the authors stated.

They emphasized that "By providing a non-invasive and well-tolerated therapeutic option, NB-UVB not only improves physical symptoms but also enhances overall quality of life. Its favorable safety profile, with minimal and temporary side effects, reinforces its role in long-term dermatological care for children."

"Given its efficacy in reducing disease recurrence and minimizing the need for additional treatments, NB-UVB phototherapy remains a valuable approach for managing chronic skin diseases in pediatric patients," they concluded.

Reference:

Menteşoğlu D, Kurmuş GI, Kartal SP. Use of narrow-band ultraviolet B in pediatric dermatology patients: ten years of experience from a tertiary care hospital. Arch Dermatol Res. 2025 Mar 24;317(1):626. doi: 10.1007/s00403-025-04148-4. PMID: 40126705.