NB-UVB Phototherapy Effective for Psoriasis in Skin of Color

A new systematic review and meta-analysis confirms that narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy is effective for psoriasis in patients with skin of color, underscoring its role as a valuable treatment option despite the widespread adoption of biologics and systemic agents.

Published in Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine, the review included 54 studies, of which 43 reported clinical outcomes in 1,322 patients with chronic plaque psoriasis and 12 with palmoplantar psoriasis (Fitzpatrick skin types III–IV). Nine studies contributed data to a random-effects meta-analysis assessing Psoriasis Area and Severity Index 75 (PASI 75) response.

Across these studies, 70.5% of patients achieved PASI 75, and all demonstrated statistically significant improvement in psoriasis severity following NB-UVB treatment. The therapy also yielded higher rates of complete clearance compared with broadband UVB (BB-UVB). However, when compared with psoralen plus UVA (PUVA), NB-UVB did not significantly differ in the proportion of patients reaching PASI 75.

Secondary analyses examined biochemical and immunologic mechanisms of NB-UVB, as well as combination regimens and comparisons with other phototherapy modalities. Collectively, the findings reinforced NB-UVB as an effective and accessible treatment modality for skin of color, a population in which therapeutic response data have historically been underrepresented.

“Phototherapy is effective for the treatment of psoriasis in (skin of color) patients and remains a valuable treatment option despite the advent of various topical, systemic, and biologic treatments for psoriasis,” the authors concluded.