Impact of narrow-band ultraviolet B radiation therapy on the quality of life of patients with vitiligo

Abstract

Objectives: Patients with vitiligo experience emotional and psychological stress as they undergo long-term therapy. The debilitating psychosocial effects of this disease on patients’ quality of life is well-documented. This study evaluates the effect of the introduction of narrowband ultraviolet-B (NB-UVB) therapy on the quality of life of patients with vitiligo in Almadinah Almunawwarah, KSA. Methods: Thirty-eight patients from the main dermatology center of Ohud Hospital, Almadinah Almunawwarah, were interviewed between June 2017 and March 2019 using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire. The interviews were conducted before and one year after the course of NB-UVB therapy, which was added as a new treatment modality to the basic therapeutic regimen of topical medications. Results: The patients’ response to vitiligo therapy was positive. The overall patient satisfaction score regarding the NB-UVB therapy was as high as 9.1 out of 10. The initial overall DLQI score (5.67 0.90) markedly decreased after the NB-UVB therapy (3.08 0.56), indicating a significant improvement. The patients’ adherence to the follow-up visits also improved. Conclusion: NB-UVB therapy is effective in alleviating psychological stress and improving the quality of life of patients with vitiligo.