Nov 2011

Although narrowband ultraviolet B (NB UVB) phototherapy is a well-established treatment in many dermatosis, there is little evidence of efficacy of this method for alopecia areata (AA) treatment in the literature.

We undertook a retrospective review of the 25 AA patients treated with NB UVB. Intramuscular triamcinolone acetonide injections per month were used as concomitant treatment in some patients who did not have any contraindication.

Eight patients (32%) received monthly intramuscular corticosteroid injections. Four (22.2%) and two (20%) patients achieved excellent response in extensive patchy hair loss patients and entire scalp hair loss patients, respectively.

Four of six patients who achieved excellent response also received monthly intramuscular corticosteroid injections.

When patients receiving systemic corticosteroid injections were compared with patients given only NB UVB with respect to the treatment responses, a statistically significant difference was seen in patients who achieved excellent response.

NB UVB is not an effective treatment with only 20% excellent treatment responses in patients with severe AA, most of whom were also treated with systemic corticosteroids.