Effectiveness of Narrowband Ultraviolet B Therapy in Prurigo Nodularis: A Retrospective Cohort Study from a Tertiary Care Center

Objective: Treatment options for prurigo nodularis (PN) are limited. Narrowband ultraviolet B (nbUVB) has long been effective in treating pruritic dermatoses such as psoriasis. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of nbUVB in PN using various assessment scales. Material and Methods: Patients with PN who were refractory to antihistamines and topical steroids and underwent nbUVB monotherapy for at least 12 weeks between January 2021-January 2023 were included. Demographic data, including age and gender, were recorded. The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Pruritus Visual Analogue Scale (PVAS), and Investigator's Global Assessment of Chronic Nodular Prurigo (IGA-CNPG) scores were assessed at baseline and week 12 retrospectively. Results: A total of 40 patients were included, with a mean age of 51.1 years; 74% were female. The mean baseline DLQI was 12.45±3.39, decreasing to 4.7±3.86 at week 12. The baseline PVAS score was 8.6±0.50, which reduced to 2.68±1.59. The IGA-CNPG score reduced from 2.5±0.68 to 0.78±0.89. All reductions were statistically significant. No significant side effects were observed during the treatment period, and compliance was high. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that nbUVB is a well-tolerated and effective treatment option for PN. Given its efficacy and safety profile, nbUVB may be considered a valuable therapeutic alternative for patients with refractory PN, improving both symptoms and quality of life.