How effective is narrowband UVB phototherapy for vitiligo?

Vitiligo removes pigment-producing cells from affected skin. Narrowband UVB can help activate remaining pigment cells and support their movement into lighter patches. The face and trunk may respond differently from hands, feet, lips, or areas with very little remaining pigment. Early signs can be small islands of colour around hair follicles rather than an immediate even change.

Treatment aims to improve contrast and patch coverage, not to promise identical colour to surrounding skin. Stability of the vitiligo, the location and size of patches, skin sensitivity, and attendance all influence the plan. A dermatologist may also discuss topical treatment or camouflage when appropriate.

Keep appointments as scheduled and bring a record of new patches, colour changes, and any tenderness or redness. Follow instructions about moisturiser, eye protection, and covering unaffected skin. Avoid deliberate tanning or extra ultraviolet exposure, and tell the clinic about medicines that may make skin light-sensitive.

Protect depigmented skin from sunburn with clothing and the recommended sunscreen. Do not judge progress by one session; compare photographs taken under similar lighting only when your clinician agrees, since colour changes can be subtle and uneven.

Report painful burning, blistering, severe redness, or an unexpected rash after a session before attending again. Seek urgent help for facial swelling or breathing difficulty. Arrange a review if patches are spreading quickly, new symptoms affect the eyes or mouth, or treatment is causing distress without visible progress so the plan can be reassessed.

Ask which patches are realistic targets, how repigmentation will be tracked, when a response should be reviewed, and how to protect lighter skin between sessions.