A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of a commercial Aloe vera gel for mitigation of phototherapy side-effects in vitiligo patients

Abstract Background Aloe vera gel could be used for various skin conditions, such as psoriasis, skin irritations, and wound healing. However, there is no study on its efficacy for mitigating the phototherapy-related side-effects in vitiligo patients. Objectives This study aims to compare the outcome of using a commercial Aloe vera gel with placebo in vitiligo patients after their phototherapy sessions. Materials and methods This study was an experimental (interventional) study. Out of 48 patients screened, six were not included. Forty-two vitiligo patients undergoing narrowband UVB phototherapy were included in a parallel, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled group comparison. Following a 2 week washout period, they were randomly given Aloe vera containing gel or placebo for an 8-week treatment period with twice-daily applications, and the follow-up was eight weeks. The most common phototherapy related side-effects were evaluated for each patient in the two groups. Results The majority of the improvements were observed within the first two weeks but also continued until the eighth week of treatment with a lower rate. The measured scores for all factors showed the superiority of Aloe vera gel compared to placebo in mitigating the apparent side-effects after phototherapy sessions. However, the mean of burning sensation intensity did not differ after two weeks, but did in the subsequent time points. No safety issue was recorded during the study. Conclusion The Aloe vera gel can be considered as an effective and safe alternative treatment in reducing phototherapy-related side-effects in vitiligo patients.