Therapeutic response of patients with progressive macular hypomelanosis to narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy at dermatology department, Tripoli Central Hospital, Tripoli, Libya (2008–2018)

Abstract

Background/Aim: Progressive macular hypomelanosis (PMH) is a common skin disorder, predominantly affected young adults, especially women. The aim of the study was to evaluate the therapeutic response of this skin disease to narrowband ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy. Methods: A case series study of a total of 100 patients with PMH who were treated in the Phototherapy Unit at Tripoli Central Hospital in the period between January 2008 and December 2018. Results: Out of 100 patients, 82% were female and 18% were male with the mean age of 24.45 ± 4 years. NB-UVB therapy was given three times a week starting with 0.2 J/cm2, with 20% dose increment every session. The maximum cumulative dose was 65.13 J/cm2 with a mean cumulative dose of 20.48 ± 15 J/cm2. The maximum number of sessions was 36 sessions. A satisfactory response was achieved without any complications in most of the patients (89%) after a mean of 17.21 ± 7.2 treatments. Conclusion: PMH occurs mainly in adolescence and young adults with female predominance mainly with skin types IV and V. NB-UVB phototherapy seems to be effective, well-tolerated, safe, and easily administered treatment for progressive PMH.