Publication:

Topical olive oil and narrow band ultraviolet-B trial for segmental vitiligo among adult Sudanese patients in Khartoum state, Sudan 2018

Background Adult segmental vitiligo treated by narrow band ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) showed delayed repigmentation. This study is being undertaken to determine the efficacy of topical olive oil addition before (NB-UVB) sessions for vitiligo patients (pts).

Methods Randomized controlled trial (RCT) enrolled ten volunteers suffering segmental vitiligo on both upper limbs, all patients left limb was tested by topical olive oil before each NB-UVB session and twice daily in session free days for a total of 20 sessions (46 days), the right upper limb was the control (only NB-UVB), each site response was assessed based on time of appearance of erythema and repigmentation. Statistical analysis was done by the Chi-square test.

Results All patients were ten, seven were female (70%), three males (30%) of middle age group, university graduates live in Khartoum state. Their left upper limbs showed erythema in 5 sessions for four pts (40%), pattern of repigmentation was marginal in eight pts (80%), mixed in two pts (20%). Their right upper limbs showed erythema in three-four sessions in two pts (20%) and eight pts (80%) needed five sessions, repigmentation started after five sessions in all patients (100%), pattern of repigmentation was follicular in one pts (10%), marginal in five pts (50%), mixed in four pts (40%).

Conclusions Addition of topical olive oil to NB-UVB for segmental vitiligo patients showed earlier occurrence of repigmentation and better pigmentation pattern.