Phototherapy
Vitiligo Treatments
Phototherapy in several methods used both to achieve immunomodulation or cell stimulation. We don’t prefer photosensitizers simultaneously with vitiligo phototherapy treatment. We use mainly Narrow Strip UV B rays, both controlled by duration or dosimetry.
Most of the patients bother about skin cancer risk with this procedure. But, we use short dose/ duration exposure, and most vitiligo patients have an inverse relation with malignant melanoma (fewer chances of cancer ). Tanning also minimal and temporary. It is essential to use sunscreens after exposure.
Excimer light is a targeted version of NBUVB light. This phototherapy is used for localized vitiligo, resistant patches, and post-transplantation patches either alone or in combination with whole-body or home-based NBUVB. Presented on weekly twice or weekly once, or alternate days.
Patients from faraway places and don’t have Whole-body NBUVB near them are given this option. It is used mainly for cell stimulation. The clinic provides machines with practice and regular monitoring from our end. Dose growth or decrease occurs as per the response, and daily interaction is required. We don’t approve outside low-quality machines which don’t fit our protocol. Patients need to take clearance for devices that our clinic does not give.
In patients with very insignificant vitiligo or new vitiligo or cannot afford whole body or home-based NBUVB phototherapy. Warm sun exposure for 10 to 15 min on alternate days is recommended. It is not as effective as NBUVB exposure.
This option is given to patients near the clinic or who have such machines near their place (Strictly according to our protocol)—used either to achieve immunomodulation/immunosuppression and cell stimulation. Its mainstay of treatment is extensive vitiligo. We follow a short-duration protocol, performing smother and consistent impulse of pigmentations—the concurrent medicines used in such a way that prevents hardening of the skin. Thickening causes inactivity in pigmentation. Also, we replace the NBUVB emitting tubes surely after 200 Hr of practice; this will give an efficient outcome with phototherapy.