An update and review of narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy for vitiligo

Vitiligo is a chronic skin condition that results in depigmentation. It affects up to 2% of the population worldwide. Phototherapy is one of the most commonly used treatment methods for vitiligo. In the last few decades, there has been an increasing popularity of narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy (NB‐UVB) over other forms of phototherapy to treat vitiligo. This paper reviews efficacy and safety of NB‐UVB treatment in vitiligo, including combination therapy with topical calcineurin inhibitors, corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs, antioxidants, and fractional CO2 laser. Advantages and limitations of home‐based phototherapy as an emerging alternative to conventional hospital‐based phototherapy will also be explored.