Retrospective Analysis of the Clinical Presentation of Progressive Macular Hypomelanosis and Outcome of Its Therapeutic Intervention with Narrow- Band Ultraviolet B Phototherapy

Progressive Macular Hypomelanosis is often an underdiagnosed hypo pigmented, nonscaly, macular eruption involving the trunk, abdomen, face,extremities and the buttocks with great cosmetic concern to the sufferer. Topical antifungal, corticosteroid has been ineffective in its treatment but phototherapy and topical antimicrobial has proven effective over time. Objective: This study seeks to determine the clinical presentation of Progressive Macular Hypomelanosis in our environment and its response to Narrowband-Ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) Methods: Twenty-three patients who were diagnosed as having Progressive Macular Hypomelanosis and had NB-UVB exposure were retrieved from dermatology unit records. Their pattern of presentation and their treatment outcome analyzed Result: The mean age (SD) of the study population was 28.0 (±13.6) years ranging from 7-55 years. Male to female ratio was 3.6: 1. The percentage body surface area covered ranged from 3-60% and areas most affected included the face, trunk, extremities, buttocks and scalp respectively. Significant repigmentation was noticed at 12th sessions of NB-UVB exposure and with almost maximum restoration at 18 sessions of exposure. However, there was a relapse in 4 patients at 412 months of stoppage of NB-UVB. Conclusion: Progressive Macular Hypomelanosis seemed to be more generalized in much younger age group when compare with older adults and NB-UVB exposure was helpful in their treatment.