Comparison of the clinical efficacy of NBUVB and NBUVB with benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin in progressive macular hypomelanosis.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Progressive macular hypomelanosis (PMH) is a skin disorder characterized by multiple hypopigmented patches symmetrically distributed on the trunk. Several treatment modalities have been attempted; however, a standard treatment modality has not been agreed to.

OBJECTIVES:

The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of antimicrobial therapy combined with narrow band ultraviolet B (NBUVB) with NBUVB monotherapy.

METHODS:

A randomized left-right comparison study was conducted in a total of 10 patients. Patients received NBUVB therapy with daily application of antimicrobial gel on one side of the trunk (comb-NBUVB) and without it (mono-NBUVB) for 8 weeks. The clinical efficacy was determined by objective measurements using a colour analyser and subjective assessment by evaluating pictures taken with a digital camera at baseline, at the time of treatment cessation and 6 months after treatment.

RESULTS:

Significant repigmentation was observed in all 10 patients during the 8 weeks of treatment. The mean difference in L values between lesional and non-lesional skin was reduced in the comb-NBUVB area (from 4.52 ± 1.65 to 0.94 ± 0.65), and in the mono-NBUVB area, (from 4.34 ± 1.39 to 1.18 ± 0.94). There was no significant difference between treated sites at both of the evaluation points in time. At 6 months after treatment, 7 of 10 patients completed the clinical trial, and some degree of clinical improvement remained in four of seven patients; recurrence occurred in the other patients.

CONCLUSIONS:

Although recurrence occurred in some patients, NBUVB treatment appears to be a safe and useful modality for the treatment of PMH.

• Authors: J H Sim, D J Lee, J S Lee, Y C Kim
• Journal: Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV (J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol) Vol. 25 Issue 11 Pg. 1318-23 (Nov 2011) ISSN: 1468-3083 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 21349111 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)
• Copyright: © 2011 The Authors. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology © 2011 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.

Chemical References

• Clindamycin
• Benzoyl Peroxide

Topics

• Benzoyl Peroxide (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Clindamycin (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Photochemotherapy