Background: Vitiligo is an acquired depigmentation disorder of great cosmetic importance, affecting 
1% of the general population. Photochemotherapy is the most commonly used treatment modality in 
vitiligo, but is associated with many short and long-term side-effects. Narrow-band ultraviolet B (NBUVB) therapy has been reported to be an effective and safe therapeutic option in patients with vitiligo. 
Aim of wok: to explore the efficacy and safety of NB-UVB therapy in vitiligo patients. Patients and 
methods: twenty patients (eight males and twelve females), aged 15-56 years, with vitiligo, were 
treated twice weekly with NB-UVB phototherapy for a maximum period of 6 months. Results: At the 
end of 6 months, fourteen of twenty patients achieved more than 75% repigmentation, whereas 4 
patients showed 50% repigmentation and 2 patients showed 25% repigmentation after treatments. 
Adverse effects were limited and transient. Conclusion: NB-UVB therapy is effective and safe in 
patients with vitiligo. Long-term follow up is required to establish the stability of repigmentation.
Short-term adverse effects of NB-UVB include burning, pruritus and xerosis.