A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of pseudocatalase cream and narrowband ultraviolet B in the treatment of vitiligo

Background Pseudocatalase cream in conjunction with narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) has previously been reported to result in repigmentation of vitiliginous skin. Objectives The purpose of this 24-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, single-centre trial was to assess the efficacy of pseudocatalase cream and NB-UVB vs. placebo and NB-UVB for the treatment of vitiligo. Methods Patients with active vitiligo on their face and/or hands applied either pseudocatalase cream or placebo to their whole body, twice daily for 24 weeks. NB-UVB therapy was administered three times a week for the duration of the trial. Efficacy was assessed primarily by digital image analysis of photographs. Results Thirty-two patients were randomized to either the pseudocatalase arm (n = 14) or placebo (n = 18). Between-group analysis did not show a statistically significant improvement in percentage area affected in the pseudocatalase cream group when compared with placebo. However, a statistically significant improvement was found within each group by week 12, which was maintained throughout the study. Conclusions NB-UVB treatment is a moderately effective treatment for vitiligo. Pseudocatalase cream does not appear to add any incremental benefit to NB-UVB alone.