Despite therapeutic advances such as biologics and small-molecule inhibitors, narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy remains essential in dermatology. In recent years, the elderly population has been increasing worldwide, so NB-UVB will be more crucial in geriatric dermatology. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of NB-UVB in various dermatoses seen in elderly patients. This observational, retrospective study included patients over 65 who received NB-UVB for any dermatological disease between 2014 and 2024. We retrospectively reviewed the phototherapy and clinical follow-up forms of the patients. A total of 126 patients were included in this study. Fifty-two (41.3%) patients were male and 74 (58.7%) were female. The mean age of the patients was 71.9 ± 6.90 years. NB-UVB was administered most frequently to 30 (23.8%) of the patients with the diagnosis of generalized pruritus, 23 (18.3%) with mycosis fungoides, 20 (15.9%) with psoriasis, 15 (11.9%) with lichen planus, and 14 (11.1%) with prurigo nodularis. The mean number of sessions was 47.7 ± 21.4, and the cumulative UVB dose was 73.17 ± 49.87 J/cm2 in all patients. 68 (%54) patients achieved complete response, and 46 (%36.5) patients achieved partial response. Mild side effects were observed in 23 (18.3%) patients. None of them led to discontinuation of treatment. Antinuclear antibody (ANA) was positive in 29.4% of the patients. There was no statistically significant difference between ANA positivity and side effect development (p = 0.644). NB-UVB is an effective and safe treatment option for dermatoses such as generalized pruritus, mycosis fungoides, psoriasis, lichen planus, prurigo nodularis in the elderly population,
Acer et al. (Thu,) studied this question.